Part VII – Implementing Regulations to Part VII of the Convention
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Chapter III – Oral proceedings and taking of evidence

Overview

Rule 118151
Summons to give evidence before the European Patent Office

(1) A summons to give evidence before the European Patent Office shall be issued to the parties, witnesses or experts concerned. 

(2) At least two months' notice of a summons issued to a party, witness or expert to testify shall be given, unless they agree to a shorter period. The summons shall contain: 

(a) an extract from the decision under Rule 117, indicating the date, time and place of the investigation ordered, specifying whether it will be conducted by videoconference and stating the facts in respect of which parties, witnesses or experts are to be heard;

(b) the names of the parties and particulars of the rights which the witnesses or experts may invoke under Rule 122, paragraphs 2 to Rule 122, paragraphs 4;

(c) an indication that a party, witness or expert who has been summoned to appear before the European Patent Office on its premises may, on request, be heard by videoconference;

(d) (c) an indication that the party, witness or expert may request to be heard by a competent court of his their country of residence under Rule 120, and an invitation to inform the European Patent Office, within a period to be specified, whether he is they are prepared to appear before it.


151Amended by decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 12/20 20 of 15.12.2020 (OJ EPO 2020, A132), which entered into force on 01.01.2021.

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EPC - Reference
  • Art. 117, 131
    R. 120
Version history
  • 13.12.2007 - 30.06.2016 
    Decision of the Administrative Council of 07.12.2006 (CA/D 10/06), (OJ EPO 2007, 8)
    01.01.2021 - 31.03.2025 
    CA/D 12/20 (OJ EPO 2020, A132)
    01.04.2025 - 
    CA/D 20/24 (OJ EPO 2025, A16)
Cross-reference list
  • EPC EPC 1973
    R. 118R. 72(2)
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