CLR IV B 3 The grant stage in examination | XEPC: EPC and PCT resource

By decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 2/10 of 26 October 2010 (OJ 2010, 637), R. 71 EPC's paragraphs 3 to 7 of were amended, its paragraphs 8 to 11 were deleted and new R. 71a EPC was inserted. The provisions as amended entered into force on 1 April 2012.

R. 71 EPC governing the last phase of the grant proceedings has been split into two separate rules: new R. 71 EPC focuses on the work of the examining division and R. 71a EPC on issues which arise when the grant procedure is concluded and which are mainly dealt with by the formalities officer acting on behalf of the division.

3.1. ‍‍Rule 71(3) EPC communication: the text for approval

3.2. Approval of the text by the applicant

3.3. Amendments or corrections filed in response to the communication under Rule 71(3) EPC

3.4. Amendment after approval of the text for grant

3.5. Examination after remittal for further prosecution

3.6. Amendments after the decision to grant

3.7. Withdrawal of amendments and abandonment of subject matter

3.8. Withdrawal of the patent application

3.9. Refusal of a European patent application under Article 97(2) EPC (former Article 97(1) EPC 1973)

3.10. Entry into force of a decision to grant a European patent

3.11. Errors in the Patent Bulletin

Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/caselaw/2019/e/clr_iv_b_3.htm