In T 14/89 (OJ 1990, 432), due to internal reorganisation and removals, the R. 58(5) EPC 1973 communication did not reach the responsible department of the patent proprietor. The board found that this fact, which led to non‑observance of the time limit, constituted an isolated mistake such as could not be ruled out despite careful company organisation.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/caselaw/2019/e/clr_iii_e_5_3_1.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021