Effective immediately, Oral Proceedings before the Examining
Divisions will be held by videoconference (see here). Oral Proceedings in person will now
only take place in exceptional circumstances. So far, this
announcement only relates to Oral Proceedings held by the Examining
Divisions. It remains to be seen if the Boards of Appeal follow
suit for examination matters.
While this will allow the work of the Examining Divisions and
representatives to continue during the lockdown, the EPO recognizes
that there may be technical difficulties when attending and hosting
virtual Oral Proceedings. Consequently, the EPO announcement notes
that if such technical difficulties cannot be overcome, a new
Summons will issue with a new hearing date. However, in the case of
non-attendance for non-technical reasons, the Oral Proceedings will
continue in the absence of the Applicant as before.
