Conducting Oral Proceedings at the European Patent Office by Videoconference

In view of worldwide travel restrictions caused by the COVID-19 pandemic, the EPO has recently expanded its ability to conduct oral proceedings before examining divisions, opposition divisions and Boards of Appeal via videoconference, rather than at the offices of the EPO. This change in practice gives rise to a number of practical implications for users of the European patent system, which are discussed in our briefing here.