In response to submissions made by a party in reply to the summons to oral proceedings, the division may also decide to cancel the oral proceedings and continue the procedure in writing. If it takes such a decision, it notifies the parties accordingly. In the absence of such notification, the parties must be aware that oral proceedings will be held. However, as an additional service in examination proceedings, if oral proceedings are not cancelled following such submissions, the division informs the applicant that the date and time set for the oral proceedings are maintained.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/e_iii_7_2_1.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021