GL D VII 1.2 Exceptions

Notwithstanding D‑VII, 1.1, above, oppositions are to be given priority:
(i)if the earlier examination proceedings were of considerably longer duration than usual; 
(ii)if the opposition proceedings have already extended over a considerably longer period than usual; 
(iii)if a party to the proceedings has submitted a reasoned request for accelerated processing in a case where an infringement action in respect of the European patent is pending before a national court of a contracting state, or if the EPO is informed by a national court or competent authority of a contracting state that infringement actions are pending (see the Notice from the EPO dated 17 March 2008, OJ EPO 2008, 221);
(iv)if other matters to be dealt with, e.g. divisional applications, hinge upon the final decision concerning the opposition; or 
(v)if the next procedural step can be dealt with relatively quickly. 

Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/d_vii_1_2.htm

Date retrieved: 17 May 2021

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EPO Guidelines - D Opposition and Limitation/Revocation Procedures