1.2 Exceptions 

OppositionsNotwithstanding D‑VII, 1.1 above, oppositions are to be given priority if:

(i)the earlier examination proceedings took far longer than usual 

(ii)the opposition proceedings have already taken considerably longer than usual 

(iii)an infringement or revocation action in respect of the opposed European patent has been instituted before the Unified Patent Court or a national court or competent authority of a contracting state (see E‑VIII, 5 for further details) or

(iv)the next procedural step can be dealt with relatively quickly.