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  • Patent Index 2020
Part IV – Implementing Regulations to Part IV of the Convention
  1. Home
  2. Legal texts
  3. European Patent Convention
  4. Contents
  5. Implementing Regulations
  6. Part IV
  7. Chapter I
  8. Rule 57
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Chapter I – Examination by the Receiving Section

Overview

Rule 57
Examination as to formal requirements

If the European patent application has been accorded a date of filing, the European Patent Office shall examine, in accordance with Article 90, paragraph 3, whether:

(a)81 a translation of the application required under Article 14, paragraph 2, under Rule 36, paragraph 2, second sentence, or under Rule 40, paragraph 3, second sentence, has been filed in due time;

(b) the request for grant of a European patent satisfies the requirements of Rule 41;

(c) the application contains one or more claims in accordance with Article 78, paragraph 1(c), or a reference to a previously filed application in accordance with Rule 40, paragraphs 1(c), Rule 40, paragraphs 2 and Rule 40, paragraphs 3, indicating that it replaces also the claims;

(d) the application contains an abstract in accordance with Article 78, paragraph 1(e);

(e) the filing fee and the search fee have been paid in accordance with Rule 17, paragraph 2, Rule 36, paragraph 3, or Rule 38;

(f) the designation of the inventor has been made in accordance with Rule 19, paragraph 1;

(g) where appropriate, the requirements laid down in Rules 52 and Rule 53 concerning the claim to priority have been satisfied;

(h) where appropriate, the requirements of Article 133, paragraph 2, have been satisfied;

(i)82 the application meets the requirements laid down in Rule 46 and Rule 49, paragraphs 1 Rule 49, paragraph 1, to 9 and 12 and the applicable requirements prescribed by the President of the European Patent Office under Rule 49, paragraph 2;

(j)83 the application meets the requirements laid down in Rule 30.


81Amended by decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 2/09 of 25.03.2009 (OJ EPO 2009, 296), which entered into force on 01.04.2010.

82Amended by decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 10/22 of 13.10.2022 (OJ EPO 2022, A101), which entered into force on 01.02.2023.

83Amended by decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 4/08 of 21.10.2008 (OJ EPO 2008, 513), which entered into force on 01.04.2009.

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EPC - Reference
  • Art. 76, 87, 88, 90, 123
    R. 45, 55-60, 111-113, 138, 139, 142, 152
Version history
  • 13.12.2007 - 31.03.2009 
    Decision of the Administrative Council of 07.12.2006 (CA/D 10/06), (OJ EPO 2007, 8 and Special edition 1/2007)
    01.04.2009 - 31.03.2010 
    CA/D 4/08 (OJ EPO 2008, 513)
    01.04.2010 - 31.01.2023 
    CA/D 2/09 (OJ EPO 2009, 296)
    01.02.2023 - 
    CA/D 10/22 (OJ EPO 2022, A101)
Cross-reference list
  • EPC EPC 1973
    R. 57Art. 91(1); R. 40, 41
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