EPO Announces That Examining Division Oral Proceedings Will Be Via Videoconference

The President of the EPO issued a decision on 1 April 2020 concerning oral proceedings before examining divisions. A notice was also issued, which provides additional information regarding oral proceedings held by videoconference.

According to the President's decision, oral proceedings before examining divisions will take place by videoconference, unless there are serious reasons for the oral proceedings to take place on the premises of the EPO. The decision comes into force on 2 April 2020 and will apply to all summons to oral proceedings notified on or after that date.

The previous default position was for oral proceedings before examining divisions to take place on the premises of the EPO, although it was open to applicants to request instead that the oral proceedings were held by videoconference. The President's decision therefore represents a significant change in practice, since it means that the majority of examining division oral proceedings will now take