Is it possible to request consultation by telephone?
Since the issues to be discussed must be clear, a request for personal communication will not be granted before the applicant has submitted amendments and/or arguments which are to be taken into account by the EPO as IPEA. A request for personal communication may be granted by the EPO acting as IPEA only once and only in the form of consultation by telephone.
OJ 2011, 532
WIPO PCT Guide 10.067
If the applicant files a request for consultation by telephone before a second written opinion is issued, he will be sent the minutes of the telephone consultation together with an invitation to submit further amendments and/or arguments within the time limit set for reply therein. In such a case, no second written opinion will be issued.
If the applicant files a request for consultation by telephone after a second written opinion has been issued but before the date on which the IPER is established, the minutes of the telephone consultation are sent to the applicant but will not be accompanied by an invitation to submit further amendments and/or arguments, and none will be accepted unless agreed upon during the consultation by telephone.
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_c4_2_10.html
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021