A consultation is not a formal procedure (for formal oral proceedings before the examining division, see E‑III), and the character of the minutes of the consultation depends upon the nature of the matters under discussion.

There are instances where personal consultation with the applicant can be helpful in advancing the procedure. Such consultation will preferably be held by videoconference, thereby allowing, where necessary, the presentation of documents, the participation of other persons and the verification of the identity of the person(s) attending (see C-VII, 2.2).

In this Chapter the term "applicant" is intended to mean "representative" where the applicant has appointed one. In this case, the procedures described in this Chapter should be conducted with that representative.

Where applicants file a request for examination before the search report is transmitted to them, they may also dispense with the need to comply with the invitation pursuant to Rule 70(2), and file a categorical request for examination whatever the result of the search may be, by which the procedure can also be accelerated (see the Notice from the EPO dated 30 November 2015, OJ EPO 2015, A93).

In certain special circumstances the examiner may allow up to six months for the time limit.