EPO Extends Mandatory Video Conference For Opposition Division Oral Proceedings Until 31 January 2022

• Published date: 24 May 2021
• Subject Matter: Litigation, Mediation & Arbitration, Court Procedure, Trials & Appeals & Compensation
• Law Firm: J A Kemp LLP
• Author: J A Kemp LLP

The EPO has announced that it is extending the use of video conference for opposition division oral proceedings until 31 January 2022. The current measures, whereby all opposition division oral proceedings take place by video conference, were due to expire on 15 September 2021. We understand that this announcement means that no opposition division oral proceedings will take place in-person until after 31 January 2022.

These measures do not apply to the Boards of Appeal. While the Boards of Appeal have also been conducting video conference oral proceedings, they have retained the possibility of in-person oral proceedings in Munich.

As we have previously reported, there is an ongoing referral to the Enlarged Board of Appeal concerning the legality of holding oral proceedings by video conference...