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  • Patent Index 2020
Part VII – Implementing Regulations to Part VII of the Convention
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  3. European Patent Convention
  4. Contents
  5. Implementing Regulations
  6. Part VII
  7. Chapter III
  8. Rule 117
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Chapter III – Oral proceedings and taking of evidence

Overview

Rule 117138
Decision on taking of evidence

Where the European Patent Office considers it necessary to hear a party, witness or expert, or to carry out an inspection, it shall take a decision to this end, setting out the investigation which it intends to carry out, relevant facts to be proved and the date, time and place of the investigation and whether it will be conducted by videoconference. If the hearing of a witness or expert is requested by a party, the decision shall specify the period within which the requester must make known the name and address of any witness or expert concerned.


138Amended by decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 12/20 of 15.12.2020 (OJ EPO 2020, A132), which entered into force on 01.01.2021.
See notice from the EPO of 17.12.2020 concerning the taking of evidence by videoconference by examining and opposition divisions (OJ EPO 2020, A135).

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EPC - Reference
  • Art. 117, 131
    R. 120
Version history
  • 13.12.2007 - 30.06.2016 
    Decision of the Administrative Council of 07.12.2006 (CA/D 10/06), (OJ EPO 2007, 8)
    01.01.2021 - 
    CA/D 12/20 (OJ EPO 2020, A132)
Cross-reference list
  • EPC EPC 1973
    R. 117R. 72(1)
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