EPO Strenghens Third Party Observations in EPO Proceedings

In a new article titled "Einwendungen Dritter in Verfahren vor dem Europäischen Patentamt werden gestärkt" (in German, sorry; automatic Englisch translation by google) on the ksnh::jur blog, I report on the recent approach of the EPO to provide a well-structured web portal for easy submission of third party observations according to Art. 115 EPC as of 1 August 2011 (see information sheet and Decision dated 10 May 2011). The Notice dated 15 May 2011 explains the background of the pilot project, as well as formal requirements and the treatment of submissions: Background: Article 115 EPC enables third parties to present observations concerning the patentability of the invention to which a European patent application or patent relates. There are no fees for presenting such observations. [...] The EPO has decided to facilitate and promote the filing of well-structured and concise third party observations in order to further improve the quality of granted European patents. Observations containing very relevant objections can also considerably reduce the length of the procedure. The EPO has also changed its practice to ensure that examining and opposition divisions comment explicitly on the relevance of third party observations. This increases the transparency of the procedure, which was a general desire identified during the "Raising the Bar" project. Therefore, the EPO has implemented a pilot scheme, available to third parties from 1 August 2011, by which an online form can be used to file these observations. This form will be accessible from the EPO website (tpo.epo.org). The structure of the form has been specifically designed to encourage concise and well-reasoned observations which can be quickly understood and evaluated by examiners. Please note that as a pilot scheme the online form will be subject to review. The use of such a form to file third party observations has been made possible by the decision of the President dated 10 May 2011 (OJ EPO 2011, 418). Formal requirements: Art. 115 EPC applies only to published European patent applications and patents, for which proceedings are pending before the EPO. Observations should be filed in an official language of the EPO (EN, FR, DE). Supporting documents, e.g. prior art citati…