7.3. Oral proceedings held by videoconference
In the communications concerning oral proceedings before the boards of appeal entitled "Restrictions due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic and introduction of video-conferencing technology in appeal proceedings", published on the website of the Boards of Appeal on 6 May, 15 May, 25 May 2020, etc., the boards of appeal informed the public of the possibility of conducting oral proceedings before the board using videoconferencing technology, which would require agreement from all parties.
According to new Art. 15a RPBA 2020, which entered into force on 1 April 2021, oral proceedings can be held by videoconference if the Board considers it appropriate to do so, either upon request by a party or of its own motion (OJ 2021, A19). The agreement of the parties is no longer required. See also G 1/21 date: 2021-07-16 (OJ 2022, A49).
Several publications in the OJ concerned oral proceedings by videoconference before the departments of first instance: before opposition divisions, see OJ 2020, A121; before examining divisions, see OJ 2020, A134; before the Receiving Section, see OJ 2021, A49; before the Legal Division, see OJ 2021, A50.