The European Patent Office (EPO) is conducting a survey (https://www.epo.org/news-events/news/2021/20210901.html)
concerning the experience of users in opposition oral proceedings
by videoconference (ViCo). At aera we think it is important that as
many as possible provide their input to the EPO since the feedback
from users, apparently, will inform the decision of the EPO on
whether to continue with ViCo proceedings in the future.
Our own experience is that it works well from a technical
perspective, Zoom being the EPO's preferred connection
software. We also agree with the position, often stated as a major
advantage of ViCo proceedings, that ViCo can save parties to oral
proceedings time and money that would otherwise be spent travelling
to Munich or The Hague. Hence, from a convenience perspective, it
could be argued that ViCo should be allowed to continue, even as a
mandatory measure (as is currently the case in view of the
pandemic).
