Minimising the Impact of Disunity Objections

If the EPO considers that a patent application lacks unity (i.e., that the claims are considered to relate to more than one invention), then the EPO may in the first instance issue a partial search report. In this webinar, we will discuss the EPO’s general approach to unity, and the options available if a disunity objection is raised by the EPO. We will also consider practical and strategic considerations, including best practices to avoid a disunity objection, and to ensure that the most important subject matter is searched by the EPO.

Topics covered include:

• The EPO’s approach to unity
• Avoiding disunity objections at the EPO
• Options if the EPO raises a disunity objection, including the procedure when the EPO issues a partial search report in the international or regional phase
• Best practices to ensure that the most important subject matter is searched by the EPO