< Back to latest news & events

News

Decision of the EBoA regarding G1/21

July 2021

Oral proceedings by videoconference can be enforced by the EPO during the pandemic

On 16 July 2021 the EPO’s Enlarged Board of Appeal (EBoA) decided on referral G 1/21 regarding the legality of enforcing oral proceedings by videoconference, even if both parties objected. The decision was taken after a public hearing held before the EBoA on 2 July 2021. The EBoA endorsed conduct of oral proceedings by videoconference for appeals during the pandemic.

The decision did not address the question whether oral proceedings by videoconference may be held without the consent of the parties in the absence of a period of general emergency (such as the Covid-19 Pandemic). Nor did it address whether oral proceedings by videoconference may be held without the consent of the parties in examination or opposition proceedings before the EPO’s departments of first instance.

The reasons for the decision will be available in writing from the EBoA soon, then the EPO is expected to assess any potential indirect implications on oral proceedings held by videoconferencing before the EPO’s departments of first instance.

This update was prepared by HGF Partner Dr Chris Moore. If you would like further advice on this or any other matter, please contact Chris. Alternatively, you can contact your usual HGF representative or visit our Contact page to get in touch with your nearest HGF office.

Latest updates

The UPC has opened its doors! See the latest updates and advice on the UPC here.

The European patent system has had the biggest change in a generation – on 1 June 2023 the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and a new “unitary patent” or “European patent …

Read article
Event - 2nd June 2023

Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) Masterclass - Demystifying Energy Transition

HGF will be attending the Energy Transition Zone (ETZ) Demystifying Energy Transition Masterclass on the 28th of June in Aberdeen. This masterclass will aim to demystify the energy transition giving …

Event details

A new dawn for European patents and patent litigation - 1 June 2023

Just as the UPC’s sunrise phase has ended, a new dawn is breaking for European patents and patent litigation.  After many years of anticipation, the Unified Patent Court (UPC) and …

Read article
Event - 29th June 2023

Dublin IP and R&D Summit

HGF are sponsors of the Dublin IP and R&D Summit on the 29th of June at the Dublin Convention Centre. Covering two days, the conference will host panels and stand-alone …

Event details

EU Draft legislation on SPCs released

On 27 April 2023 the EU published 4 draft proposals regarding SPCs. Two of these proposals are completely new and propose the creation of Unitary SPCs: COM(2023)222 for medicinal product …

Read article

Managing Intellectual Property IP Stars 2023

After months of research, Managing IP has published the IP Stars list for 2023. HGF is delighted to have 23 attorneys from England, Scotland, Ireland, Netherlands and Germany recognised and …

Read article