T 0553/99 (Undisclosed limiting feature/MANNESMANN) of 21.2.2001

European Case Law Identifier: ECLI:EP:BA:2001:T055399.20010221
Date of decision: 21 February 2001
Case number: T 0553/99
Application number: 91916547.2
IPC class: B60K 37/04
Language of proceedings: EN
Distribution: B
Download and more information:
Decision text in EN (PDF, 57 KB)
Documentation of the appeal procedure can be found in the Register
Bibliographic information is available in: EN
Versions: Unpublished
Title of application: Reflection minimizing apparatus comprising a display unit of a vehicle dashboard
Applicant name: AB VOLVO
Opponent name: Mannesmann VDO AG
Board: 3.2.01
Headnote: -
Relevant legal provisions:
European Patent Convention 1973 Art 56
European Patent Convention 1973 Art 123(2)
European Patent Convention 1973 Art 123(3)
Keywords: Addition to a claim of an undisclosed feature limiting the scope of protection during examination proceedings
Conflict between Article 123(2) and (3) EPC solved by the addition of a further feature which is properly disclosed and renders the undisclosed feature inessential
Catchwords:

If a claim as granted contains an undisclosed, limiting feature in contravention of Article 123(2) EPC it can be maintained in the claim without violating Article 123(2) provided that a further limiting feature is added to the claim which further feature

(i) is properly disclosed in the application as filed, and

(ii) deprives the undisclosed feature of all technical contribution to the subject-matter of the claimed invention (following decision G 1/93 OJ EPO 1994, 541, point 2 of the order).

Cited decisions:
G 0001/93
T 0169/83
Citing decisions:
T 0657/01
T 0290/04
T 0307/05
T 1032/07
T 2230/08
T 1127/16

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Case Law Book: II Conditions to be met by an Application

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