The book Proceedings Before the European Patent Office: A Practical Guide to Success in Opposition and Appeal provides a better understanding of how opposition divisions and boards of appeal approach the cases before them. The book discusses such topical issues as how to: - draft and prosecute patent applications to avoid problems later in opposition and appeal - properly attack or defend a patent - react if the patent is amended - argue in case of late filings - act in oral proceedings. The Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal are also discussed including their influence on opposition proceedings. This insightful book focusses on the practical aspects of the proceedings and contains numerous "practical advice" sections and "example cases". Experienced practitioners will find that the detailed case law citation adds depth to their knowledge. The practical advice and the illustrations from case law provide patent lawyers and patent attorneys with invaluable guidance on specific procedural and substantive questions, and on how to act properly in opposition and appeal proceedings. Proceedings Before the European Patent Office: A Practical Guide to Success in Opposition and Appeal is an indispensable tool in the armoury of all patent practitioners.
Contents: 1. Introduction 2. Drafting and Prosecution Stage 3. Opposition Stage 4. Appeal Stage - Inter Partes Appeal 5. Appeal Stage - Ex Parte Appeals 6. Further Issues 7. Conclusion Acknowledgement Index