As a general rule, the use of laptops or other electronic devices during oral proceedings on the EPO premises is allowed provided they do not cause disturbance to the participants and are not used for sound recording (see the Notice of the Vice-Presidents Directorates-General 2 and 3 dated 25 February 1986, OJ EPO 1986, 63).

Only in exceptional circumstances, where oral proceedings are held on the premises of the EPO and where, for example, the use of an electronic device disturbs the oral proceedings and despite warning of the division the disturbance is not remedied, can the division decide not to admit the use of the incriminated device. It will be taken into consideration that it is normal for representatives to rely on electronically stored documents to present their case and they may be put in a difficult position if the division denies them the right to use their laptop.