(For rejection of the opposition as inadmissible at a later stage, the patent proprietor being a party, see D‑IV, 5.1 and D-IV, 5.5)
In cases of insufficient substantiation, where the formalities officer is not competent to decide on the inadmissibility (see D‑IV, 1.2.2.1(v)), the opposition division will either:
If the opponent does not refute the opinion expressed by the opposition division on the existence of these deficiencies which may no longer be corrected, the opposition division will reject the notice of opposition as inadmissible, possibly after having held oral proceedings. As regards the form of the decision, see E‑X, 2.3, and E‑X, 2.6.
The decision will be communicated to the other parties. An inadmissible opposition or documents produced in support of an inadmissible opposition will be placed in the file and will therefore be available for inspection in accordance with Art. 128(4). As regards the possibility of taking them into consideration as observations by third parties, see D‑V, 2.2, and E‑VI, 3. If there are further admissible oppositions, for reasons of procedural economy this decision to reject the opposition as inadmissible will normally be taken at the end of the procedure together with the decision on the admissible oppositions.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/d_iv_3.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021
16 references found.
Click X to load a reference inside the current page, click on the title to open in a new page.EPC Articles
EPO Guidelines - D Opposition and Limitation/Revocation Procedures
XGL D IV 1.3.2 Communication in the event of deficiencies as described in D‑IV, 1.2.2 , which, if not remedied, will lead to rejection of the opposition as inadmissible
XGL D IV 5.5 Decision concerning the admissibility of an opposition, the patent proprietor being a party
XGL D IV 5.6 Examination of the admissibility of an intervention and preparations in the event of an intervention