If an absent party was not duly summoned, this is noted in the minutes and the oral proceedings are closed.

After opening the oral proceedings any person conducting them will introduce the parties present. They will have the particulars of the persons taking part in the proceedings recorded and will establish in what capacity they are present. Details of these steps and any consequences thereof will be recorded in the minutes (see E‑III, 10).

8.3.1 Checking the identity and authorisations of participants at oral proceedings

8.3.2 Opening the oral proceedings

8.3.3 Late arrival, non-appearance and failure to connect

As a general rule, the use of laptops or other electronic devices during oral proceedings on the EPO premises is allowed provided they do not cause disturbance to the participants and are not used for sound recording (see the Notice of the Vice-Presidents Directorates-General 2 and 3 dated 25 February 1986, OJ EPO 1986, 63).

Only in exceptional circumstances, where oral proceedings are held on the premises of the EPO and where, for example, the use of an electronic device disturbs the oral proceeding