The boards have frequently cited a general interest in bringing proceedings to a close within a reasonable period; see e.g. T 594/00 and T 343/01. In T 1913/06, for instance, a request for remittal was refused on the basis that procedural efficiency was imperative in view of the public interest in a streamlined and efficient procedure.

Under Art. 111(1) EPC, the boards, having examined the allowability of an appeal, decide on it either by exercising any power within the competence of the department which was responsible for the decision appealed or by remitting the case to that department for further prosecution.

Which of these two options the board chooses will depend on the specific facts of the case before it and is a matter for its discretion.