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Institute of Professional Representatives before the European Patent Office

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Policy for news items on the epi website

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New measures for oral proceedings before EPO Board of Appeal - access to building only for vaccinated, recovered or tested individuals from 27 September 2021

September 30, 2021

In a communication dated 22 September 2021, the Boards of Appeal have revised their measures for the arrangement and conduct of oral proceedings in light of the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.

From 27 September 2021, access to the Boards of Appeal building in Haar will be granted only to vaccinated, recovered or tested individuals. The previous practice of completing a self-declaration form will be discontinued.

The communication of the Boards of Appeal also includes the latest measures concerning the conduct of oral proceedings using videoconferencing (VICO) technology.

It should be noted that the BoA measures differ from those decided by the EPO President for oral proceedings before examining and opposition divisions.

The communication of the Boards of Appeal announcing the new measures can be found here

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