8.11.1 Requesting postponement during oral proceedings 

Oral proceedings in examination, limitation or opposition are intended to bring the proceedings to a close, and parties are expected to prepare themselves fully.

The division will therefore normally refuse any request from a party that the proceedings be postponed or continued in writing. In exceptional cases, if a new and major objection is unexpectedly introduced shortly before or at the oral proceedings, and the applicant or proprietor cannot reasonably be required to make the necessary amendments there and then, a request for postponement or to continue in writing should be granted.

Even if the description needs to be revised to bring it into line with amended claims, the applicant or proprietor is expected to make the necessary changes either in the oral proceedings or during a break.