GL D VI 4.1 Communications from the opposition division; reasoned statement

Where necessary, any communication to the patent proprietor must contain a reasoned statement. This also applies to any communication to other parties which is communicated to the proprietor of the patent for information only. A reasoned statement will usually not be required if the communication concerns only matters relating to form or if it contains no more than self-explanatory proposals. Where appropriate, all the grounds against the maintenance of the European patent are to be given in the communication.[Rule 81(3); ]

If oral proceedings have to be arranged, the parties must be summoned to them as quickly as possible at reasonable notice (see E‑III, 6).

GL D VI 3.1 Opposition division's communications

In examining the opposition, the opposition division will invite the parties, as often as is necessary, to clarify the substance of the case, to file observations on communications from another party or issued by itself (see E‑II, 1) and, where appropriate, to adduce evidence in respect of matters under dispute. Rule 81(2) does not require the opposition division to set a period for replying to this invitation.

GL D VI 3 Invitation to file observations

3.1 Opposition division's communications

3.2 Summons to oral proceedings

GL D VI 2.2 Revocation of the patent

Where it is stated that the patent proprietor no longer approves the text in which the patent was granted and no amended text is submitted, the patent must be revoked. This also applies when the patent proprietor requests that the patent be revoked.

GL D VI 2.1 Basis for the examination

If the patent proprietors submit amendments to the description, claims or drawings after the notice of opposition has been communicated to them (see H‑II, 3), the opposition division must take as a basis for its examination the text of the European patent submitted by the patent proprietors.