Article 30

EUROPEAN PATENT OFFICE

Information from the EPO

Notice from the European Patent Office dated 24 March 2021 concerning the conduct of oral proceedings in examination and opposition in view of referral G 1/21

1. Referral G 1/21 ("Oral proceedings by videoconference") is pending before the Enlarged Board of Appeal. The question referred seeks to clarify whether the conduct of oral proceedings in the form of a videoconference is compatible with the right to oral proceedings as enshrined in Article 116(1) EPC if not all of the parties to the proceedings have given their consent to the conduct of oral proceedings in the form of a videoconference. Reference is made to referring decision T 1807/15.

2. The President of the EPO has decided that in order to guarantee access to justice and ensure the functioning of the EPO, oral proceedings before examining and opposition divisions will continue to be held by videoconference in accordance with the applicable decision of the President of the EPO,1 i.e. without requiring the agreement of the parties.

3. The present notice applies with immediate effect until the Enlarged Board of Appeal has announced its decision.