As the pilot project for oral proceedings in opposition by video conference (VICO) draws to a close, the EPO President has carefully evaluated its conclusions as well as the feedback from the numerous stakeholders. As the reaction of most users to the pilot has been positive, the President has decided that VICOs should become the default format of oral proceedings in opposition from 1 January 2023. Only under certain circumstances, and when the opposition division permits it, will oral proceedings in opposition be conducted in person. Further information can be found in the links below.
EPO - President decides future format of oral proceedings in opposition
