CIPA President welcomes continuance of EPO hearings by VICO

CIPA welcomes confirmation from President Campinos that the European Patent Office will continue with oral proceedings by videoconference (ViCo) while awaiting the decision of the Enlarged Board of Appeal on the legality of ViCo hearings without the consent of all parties.

President Alicia Instone said: “With necessary restrictions on travel due to the pandemic, oral proceedings held by ViCo have been an essential lifeline to access to justice. We continue to argue that ViCo enhances access to justice through the added benefits of efficiency, reduced costs, reduced environmental impact and the inclusion of all available talent regardless of location and ability to travel.

“We welcome this decision, which will provide clarity for applicants and their representatives while we await the verdict of the Enlarged Board.”

Date published: 24 March 2021