The members of the examining division may equally connect to the oral proceedings by videoconference from different locations. In such cases, the members of the division will deliberate and vote among themselves via a separate communication channel. The venue of oral proceedings will be deemed to be the location where the examining division is set up.
The applicant or representative will be informed of the remote participation of the members of the examining division at the beginning of the oral proceedings, after the connection has been established and before they are formally opened.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/e_iii_8_2_2_2.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021