8.3 Statement of withdrawal 

Any statement of withdrawal must be unqualified and unambiguous. However, it may be conditional on e.g. avoidance of publication or refund of the examination fee. An unqualified and unambiguous withdrawal takes effect on the day it is received by the EPO.

If a statement of withdrawal is made orally during oral proceedings, then either a (handwritten) signed confirmation is to be submitted during the proceedings or the division has to confirm the withdrawal in the minutes and read out the related passage for confirmation in the oral proceedings. The withdrawal has effect from the date of the oral proceedings.