27.01.2023

Boards of Appeal to lift COVID-19 measures

On 25 January, the EPO announced that from 1 February the Boards of Appeal will no longer follow measures introduced to mitigate the spread of COVID-19. In a statement, the boards say that it will “lift measures regulating the arrangement and conduct of oral proceedings” but that the “conduct of oral proceedings using video conferencing continues to be provided”. As such, the requirements for participants to take verified PCR or antigen tests before entering the premises, restrictions on physical distancing, and mandatory wearing of FFP2 masks are likely to be over, although the statetement does not confirm this. However, the EPO Boards of Appeal are not reverting to solely in-person proceedings.

The new development comes as Germany prepares to lift its existing country-wide ban on travelling on public transport without a medical or FFP2 mask. From 2 February 2023, this will no longer be a requirement although it is still advised. In July 2022, the Boards of Appeal had already begun to roll back the policies they had put in place at the outset of the pandemic.

When the pandemic began in early 2020, the EPO took measures such as banning duty travel to high-risk areas, extending IT system availability and abolishing core business hours. However, the press communique does not make clear if the EPO is reversing any of these measures. The EPO Boards of Appeal will continue to conduct a mixture of in-person, video-based and ‘mixed-mode’ proceedings.

22.08.2022

EPO Boards of Appeal refuse request for in-person hearing

In a Boards of Appeal decision regarding a patent for fuel tanks (T 2791/19), the EPO has refused the appellant’s request to hold the proceedings in person. Instead, the EPO determined that Covid cases in the Munich region were sufficiently high to warrant a threat to the general health of Boards of Appeal staff, as well as members of the parties.

Kramer Barske Schmidtchen, which represents industrial manufacturing company Caterpillar, argues that, “The current pandemic situation also does not constitute an emergency situation within the meaning of G1/21. In addition, a hearing in the form of a video conference is more strenuous than a hearing in person due to the poor sound quality of the respondents.” (JUVE Patent translation)

Since early 2020, the EPO has conducted hearings at least partially via video conference, recently choosing Zoom as its favoured platform. This has caused some consternation between parties, with some reasoning that not conducting hearings in person constitutes a disadvantage. A rift also seems to be apparent between the EPO nominally favouring in-person hearings while conducting so many hearings by video.

Now, the boards’ latest reasoning may cause further confusion among parties, many of whom remain under the impression that oral proceedings held by video conference should be a last resort – or under such situations that constitute a ‘general emergency’.

04.04.22

EPO extends video conferencing ‘pilot project’

In May 2020, as the impact of the coronavirus pandemic became clearer, the European Patent Office announced its testing of video conference platform Zoom for the first time for oral proceedings involving multiple opponents, and/or requiring simultaneous interpretation. It officially extended this project in November 2020, May 2021 and November 2021.

Now, the EPO has once again announced an extension to the project. From 1 June 2022, the EPO will continue to conduct the ‘pilot project’ until the end of the year, citing Articles 10(2)(a) and 116 of the European Patent Convention in its announcement.

Find further JUVE Patent coverage on video hearings at the EPO and in Europe here.

30.11.21

EPO publishes survey on oral proceedings in oppositions via ViCo

In a survey conducted by the EPO of participants in oral opposition proceedings conducted via video, a good 65% consider the main disadvantage to be “difficult to pick up on non-verbal communication”. Just under 30% find it more difficult to present their arguments.

As a result, the EPO found that two thirds of respondents found the provision of oral proceedings in opposition by video conference to be “good” or “very good”. As the pandemic situation worsens, the EPO has extended the pilot phase until the end of May 2022.

Furthermore, 80% of the survey participants saw the reduced reaming time as an advantage, while 60% saw the cost savings as positive. Only 11% highlighted the ease of public participation as an advantage.

In September, 700 people who had previously participated in at least one video hearing took part in the EPO’s survey. The EPO stated that this is a very high turnout compared to previous surveys.

24.11.21

EPO extends video conferencing pilot scheme

The European Patent Office has announced an extension to its pilot project, whereby it will conduct opposition proceedings via video, until May 2022. The EPO cites its reasoning as “travel restrictions and preventive health measures limiting the parties’ possibilities to attend oral proceedings on its premises” due to the ongoing impact of the pandemic.

In light of this development, the EPO has reaffirmed a commitment to providing training for parties, in order to maximise the efficiency of conducting such proceedings via video.

15.09.21

UK Chancery Division announces extension of remote hearings

The Business and Property Courts of the UK judiciary have announced an extension of the video hearing measures brought in during the first coronavirus lockdown in 2020. In the UK, the Patents Court comes under this jurisprudence as it is in the Chancery Division.

The judiciary website notes that, “While the mode of hearing is ultimately a judicial decision”, the court’s default position will now be that the court will conduct all hearings of a half-day or less remotely. However, the measures also appear to cover an extension to hybrid proceedings, which could include a mixture of in-person and video hearings. Ultimately, the presiding judge has the final say.

The court also notes that bundles must be presented in electronic format, unless expressly requested by the judge.

26.07.21

EPO Boards of Appeal reviews COVID-19 measures

In a communication published by the EPO, the Boards of Appeal has revised its coronavirus measures regarding the arrangement and conduct of oral proceedings. The measures do not include oral proceedings before the examining and opposition divisions.

The measures cover the need for continued social distancing, building access, the need for staggered starting times, public access and hygiene measures, among other things. In its communication, the office also references the current order handed down regarding compulsory video hearings, which confirms that video conferencing is compatible with the European Patent Convention “as an emergency measure”.

From 1 October 2021, the EBA will use only Zoom for its video conference proceedings.

23.06.21

EPO moves to use exclusively Zoom

The EPO will now conduct patent opposition and examination hearings entirely via Zoom. The EPO is decommissioning the use of Skype for Business as of 1 October 2021.

The decision follows on from a test phase of zoom from September 2021, where the EPO tested the video conference platform for the first time for oral proceedings involving multiple opponents, and/or requiring simultaneous interpretation. The focus on Zoom is a development of the pilot project for oral proceedings in opposition by video conference. The EPO used Skype for Business as its initial platform.

24.03.21

EPO president confirms video conferencing practice will continue

EPO president António Campinos has released a statement determining that the current practice of hearing Boards of Appeal hearings via video, even without the consent of both parties, can continue. The president released the decision in reference to referral G1/21, which Board of Appeal 3.5.02 made in case T1807/15. It refers to Article 116 of the European Patent Convention.

The decision states, “The President of the EPO has decided that in order to guarantee access to justice and ensure the functioning of the EPO, oral proceedings before examining and opposition divisions will continue to be held by videoconference… [and] without requiring the agreement of the parties.”

Administrative Council approves new Rules of Procedure in video conferencing (Article 15a)

Furthermore, on 1 April 2021, the new Article 15a of the Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal on oral proceedings by video conference enters into force. The EPO’s Administrative Council approved the measure on 23 March 2021. It confirms the original Boards of Appeal Committee (BOAC) decision from 11 December 2020, to go ahead with video hearings without the consent of both parties being necessary.

According to the EPO, Article 15a states:

(1) The Board may decide to hold oral proceedings pursuant to Article 116 EPC by video conference if the Board considers it appropriate to do so, either upon request of a party or of its own motion.

(2) Where oral proceedings are scheduled to be held on the premises of the European Patent Office, a party, representative or accompanying person may, upon request, be allowed to attend by videoconference.

(3) The Chair in the particular appeal and, with the agreement of that Chair, any other member of the Board in the particular appeal may participate in the oral proceedings by videoconference.

More background on the EPO website.

17.03.21

Enlarged Board of Appeal to hear video conferencing referral

Board of Appeal 3.5.02 has referred a question regarding the validity of holding compulsory video hearings, without the consent of both parties, to the Enlarged Board of Appeal. The question states, “Is the conduct of oral proceedings in the form of a video conference compatible with the right to oral proceedings as enshrined in Article 116(1) EPC if not all of the parties to the proceedings have given their consent to the conduct of oral proceedings in the form of a video conference?”

Observers doubted whether the referral would go ahead, since the opponents in case T1807/15 regarding EP 16 09 239 withdrew their initial request for an Enlarged Board of Appeal referral. JUVE Patent covered the background to the appeal, and the general market feeling towards compulsory video hearings, here.

The full interlocutory decision which led to the referral is available on the EPO website.

08.03.21

EPO confirms successful inaugural eEQE

The EPO has successfully held its first-ever eEQE (online European Qualifying Examination). For the first time since the exam was established in 1979, the EPO held the written test online from 1 to 5 March 2021. According to the EPO the digital edition, which was adapted to follow European coronavirus guidelines, involved “almost 4000 candidates, five exams split over eleven flows, 130 exam pages in a choice of languages, 24 hours of examination in five days, 80 online invigilators, 400 people involved in preparations, a secured examination environment, and audio and image supervision.”

However, it appears the EPO’s long-term planned already involved this transition to digital. It says, “What had initially been planned as a major change for the years ahead was fast-forwarded due to the Covid-19 pandemic. Under the Strategic Plan 2023, the EPO plans to deliver a complete, end-to-end digital EQE with a possible revision of the EQE legal framework, format and content of the exam. Due to the pandemic, and after the cancellation of the EQE2020, the greatest challenge of holding the exam online was achieved within just a few months.”

The EQE is a pre-requisite exam for almost anyone wishing to be admitted as a qualified European patent attorney, and to represent clients before the EPO.

2021

15.12.20

Boards of Appeal extend video conference proceedings until 2021

In the light of the developments in the coronavirus pandemic, the Boards of Appeal have reassessed some of their measures for the arrangement and conduct of oral proceedings. In particular, the BoA revised the practice on conducting oral proceedings using videoconferencing (VICO) technology. From 1  January the boards may conduct oral proceedings by VICO even without the agreement of the parties. This has been made clear by the BoA Committee in adopting a new Article 15a in the Rules of Procedure.

10.11.20

EPO extends video conference proceedings until 2021

President of the EPO, Antonio Campinos, has announced the extension of a pilot project for oral proceedings until 15 September 2021. Importantly, after 4 January 2021, parties can no longer ‘opt out’ of using video conferencing software. According to the EPO, this is to continue “guaranteeing effective access to justice and to avoiding a continuous increase in the number of unresolved oppositions.”

14.09.20

EPO tests Zoom for opposition oral proceedings

From today, the European Patent Office will test video conference platform Zoom for the first time for oral proceedings involving multiple opponents, and/or requiring simultaneous interpretation. The focus on Zoom is a development of the pilot project for oral proceedings in opposition by video conference, with the first platform being Skype for Business.

According to the EPO, “This technical development will allow more cases to be concluded and thereby contribute to greater legal certainty; it also follows suggestions from user associations.” Find more information about the use of video conferencing at the EPO here.

30.07.20

First ‘normal’ day for UKIPO

The UK Intellectual Property Office ended its ‘interrupted days’ yesterday, 29 July. Previously, the UK IPO said deadlines would be extended via its ‘interrupted days’ provisions in March, when the coronavirus regulations began to be enforced.

The latest decision comes following the UKIPO’s latest review of its coronavirus guideline procedures. Therefore, today (30 July) is the first ‘normal’ day of operation since 24 March. The UK IPO has also announced that it is working on measures to ease burdens on business following the end of the period of interruption, such as the temporary removal of fees for requests of extensions. More information can be found on the UKIPO section of the gov.uk website.

29.07.20

EPO postpones all oral opposition proceedings

The EPO has announced the postponement of all oral opposition proceedings scheduled until 31 December 2020. This is due to what the office describes as ‘the ongoing disruptions caused by the spread of coronavirus.’

Previously, all oral opposition proceedings were postponed until 14 September 2020. Some hearings confirmed to take place by video conference, or held by video conference with the parties’ consent under the pilot project, will go ahead.

17.07.20

EPO issues joint messages with JPO and KIPO

EPO president António Campinos, Japan Patent Office commissioner Akira Matsunaga and Korean Intellectual Property Office commissioner Park Wonjoo have issued a joint message on the offices’ response to the coronavirus pandemic, also known as Covid-19. Here, the office heads assert their belief that innovation will play a central role in the recovery from the impact of the coronavirus pandemic.

The signatories also emphasised the importance of cross-border co-operation, especially given that the pandemic transcends borders, and reaffirmed their commitment to addressing the current challenges together.

The EPO/JPO joint message is available here, and the EPO/KIPO joint message is available here.

06.07.20

EPO launches new platform in fight against coronavirus

The European Patent Office has published a new platform, designed to help researchers benefit from patent information in the fight against coronavirus. The platform has released its first data sets, which cover antiviral vaccines and pharmaceutical therapeutics. The EPO has announced that more resources will be released in the coming weeks. Examples include diagnostics, medical technologies and devices.

A press release, including a statement by EPO president Antonio Campinos, can be found here.

03.07.20

EPO to conduct first live-streamed hearing

On 15 July, the Boards of Appeal at the European Patent Office will conduct its first live-streamed hearing. The hearing concerns case G 1/19, over the patentability of computer simulations. In case T 489/14, the Technical Board of Appeal 3.5.07 referred questions to the Enlarged Board of Appeal.

The EPO says, “In the light of the current restrictions on public attendance at oral proceedings due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic, the Enlarged Board of Appeal has decided to enable live streaming to give members of the public access to the proceedings via the internet.” You can register as an observer on the EPO website by 14 July.

23.06.20

UKIPO ends ‘interrupted days’

The UKIPO introduced ‘interrupted days’ on 27 March 2020, given the increased momentum of the coronavirus pandemic. However, the office has today announced its interrupted days will end on 29 July 2020. The first ‘normal’ day for the UKIPO, which sees all ‘interrupted days’ deadlines expire, is 30 July 2020.

21.05.20

EPO postpones all oral opposition proceedings

The EPO has announced the postponement of all scheduled oral opposition proceedings until 14 September 2020. The date was previously 2 June 2020. Exceptions are made for those either not already confirmed to take place by video conference, or that are being held via video under the pilot project. More information on the European Patent Office website.

20.05.20

High Court hearing via Skype in InterDigital vs. Lenovo

The UK High Court has begun the process of deciding its next landmark FRAND trial in the dispute between InterDigital and Lenovo. Judge Colin Birss presided over the hearing, which took place via Skype. The hearing concerned the case management aspects, with timetables being set out for the technical and FRAND aspects of the trial.

Gowling acts for InterDigital, while the London office of Kirkland & Ellis is for Lenovo.

20.05.20

New trial instead of judgment in connected cars dispute between Nokia and Daimler

Munich Regional Court has decided to have another hearing in the Nokia vs. Daimler case in July. This is instead of today’s hearing, which the court cancelled at short notice (Ref. 7 O 3890/19). On 6 February, the 7th Civil Chamber around presiding judge Matthias Zigann at the Munich Regional Court heard a suit from Nokia concerning a European mobile phone patent. The hearing lasted 12 hours. It was the first hearing in which Daimler’s co-litigants Renault and Huawei participated.

Prior to this, co-litigants Robert Bosch, Bury, Continental, Peiker and TomTom had already joined the dispute. Also significant to the hearing was whether Nokia’s patent EP 16 71 505 would survive all validity attacks from Daimler.

Munich Regional Court has now announced a new trial date for 23 July 2020. Yesterday there was a hearing in the same dispute at Mannheim Regional Court. Presiding judge Holger Kircher has announced a verdict for 23 June 2020. Read our analysis of the background to the connected cars dispute.

13.05.20

Belgian Patent Office publishes new notice

The Belgian Patent Office (OPRI) has published a new notice. It explains that, due to the gradual lifting of coronavirus containment measures, it will start to notify parties with binding deadlines regarding Belgian patents and patent applications. This applies to applicants or patentees that would be sanctioned by a loss of rights in the event of noncompliance. This measures is enforced from 25 May.

07.05.20

Boards of Appeal adopts measures for oral proceedings

The BoA has announced that oral proceedings will not be held at its premises up until and including 15 May 2020. The new guidelines exclude oral proceedings conducted by video conference. However, oral proceedings will be conducted by video in agreement with the parties concerned. Any oral proceedings which go ahead by video will be listed in the oral proceedings calendar.

N.b. Oral proceedings before the Boards of Appeal are public. Any member of the public wishing to attend oral proceedings conducted via video link is still able to do so. However, it will be from a dedicated room at the Boards of Appeal premises in Haar. However, only limited places will be available. More information on the measures being taken by the Boards of Appeal are available here.

06.05.20

EPO postpones all oral opposition proceedings

The European Patent Office has announced that it will postpone all oral proceedings in opposition scheduled until 2 June 2020 (previously until 30 April 2020), until further notices. The exception is those which have already been confirmed to take place by video conference or will be held by video conference with the parties’ consent under the pilot project (Article 2 of the Decision of the President of the EPO, 14.05.2020).

According to the EPO, oral proceedings in examination will continue to be held by video conference.

05.05.20

UK High Court hearing settles without video hearing

Global beer giants AB InBev and Heineken have settled a dispute over beer dispenser technology, according to sources close to the opponents. Precise details of the settlement are not yet known. However, the High Court in London had conducted a pre-trial hearing in an action brought by Heineken against AB InBev (case ID: HP-2018-000027).

The court had scheduled the hearing for five days from 27 April, but it is no longer going ahead. This would have been the first full-blown High Court patent trial to employ the newly-adopted technology.

30.04.20

JUVE Patent analyses video hearings in Europe

In our latest long read, JUVE Patent examines the approaches of different European courts in conducintg remote hearings during the current coronavirus pandemic.

The Munich Regional Court conducts its first ever patent hearing via video link ©Landgericht München

30.04.20

Munich Regional Court conducts first oral hearing via video

Last Thursday, the first oral hearing with a mobile video conference system was successfully conducted at the Munich I Regional Court, in accordance with § 128 A of the German Code of Civil Procedure

The 7th Civil Chamber heard a patent dispute (case no. 7 O 15606/19) in session room 155 at the Palace of Justice in Munich. On both sides, the attorneys and patent attorneys joined the proceedings from their respective offices. President of Munich Regional Court I, Dr Andrea Schmidt, says “Even independently of the current situation, we will continue to press ahead with digitisation at the Regional Court Munich I. The new videoconferencing system is an important element in this respect. Justice is there for the people – analogue and digital.”

22.04.20

UKIPO declares “interrupted” days

The UK Intellectual Property Office has declared ‘Interrupted’ days according to rule 110 of the Patents Rules 2007, rule 75 of the Trade Marks Rules 2008, and rule 40 of the Designs Rules 2006. According to the IPO website, in practice the declaration of interrupted days means that “any deadlines for patents, supplementary protection certificates, trade marks, designs, and applications for these rights
which fall on an interrupted day will be extended to the next non-interrupted day”. However, the declaration precludes time periods set out under international IP treaties. This includes, for example, the Patent Cooperation Treaty or the European Patent Convention. Furthermore, the period of interruption does not affect filing dates of IP applications filed at the office that do not claim priority from a previous application. For further information, visit the UKIPO website.

21.04.20

EPO holds first video opposition proceedings

The EPO has held its first patent opposition hearing via video, in an Austrian case. Austrian attorney firm Anwälte Burger und Partner (ABP) represented timber drying company Kurt Mühlböck over patent EP 31 11 148 B2, a method for drying bulk material. Patent attorney Andreas Rossoll said, “The discussion and the course of events were in no way inferior to what we were used to before. The technical quality and in particular the data transmission should be re-ferred to as perfect.”

The EPO rejected the opposing side, meaning ABP was successful in its goal.

17.04.20

DPMA closes to public access

In response to ongoing governmental advice, the German Patent and Trademark office has shut down to the public and cancelled all events. However, the office is still able to work with its staff working remotely. Time limits for pending IP procedures remain scheduled for 4 May.

EPO further extends deadlines to 4 May 2020

Due to the ongoing general dislocation caused by the pandemic, the EPO has issued a notice further extending the previous deadline from 17 April to 4 May. This applies to all parties and their representatives and includes international applications under the PCT.

16.04.20

French government extends court deadlines

The French government has adopted two ordinances in order to adjust the organisation, functioning and deadlines applicable before the French courts during the coronavirus epidemic. Ordinance n°2020-306 and Ordinance 2020-304 were adopted on 25 March and allow for the extension of deadlines

According to Ordinance 2020-306, all types of processes at the court that are subject to a deadline or to a penalty are affected by the extensions.

For the INPI, this applies in practice to actions and formalities subject to an admissibility deadline, such as oppositions, proceedings for renewing or maintaining an industrial property title, including payment of patent annuities, trademark or design renewals etc.

All acts included in the “legally protected period” set out in Ordinance 2020-306, whereby 12 March 2020 is set as the first day of applicability, will therefore be eligible for an extension. Deadlines that end after 24 June are not initially affected.

According to a Ministerial Circular from 26 March, judges still have the authority to set or extend deadlines.

14.04.20

EPO to pilot oral proceedings

The European Patent Office will conduct a pilot project for oral proceedings by video conference before opposition divisions. It will extend to all oral proceedings before opposition divisions scheduled to take place after the present decision has entered into force. The pilot project will start on the date on which this decision enters into force and will run until 30 April 2021.

More information available from the EPO.

09.04.20

Austrian Patent Office extends time limits

The Austrian Patent Office (ÖPA) extends outstanding administrative time limits in proceedings for two months.

Austrian courts reverse halt in serving of legal documents

Courts in Austria have reversed the recent halt in the serving of legal documents. IP litigation is still being submitted by writing, with hearings and testimonials also held by video conference or phone where necessary.

08.04.20

UK life sciences bodies collaborate

The Association of British HealthTech Industries (ABHI), the Association of the British Pharmaceutical Industry (ABPI), the British Generic Manufacturers Association (BGMA), the UK BioIndustry Association (BIA), and the British In Vitro Diagnostics Association (BIVDA) have committed to collaborating to fight coronavirus. The collaboration spans three key areas: Delivering medicines and health technology to fight COVID-19, prioritising the supply of diagnostics, medicines and health technologies for NHS patients, and supporting NHS service delivery. The bodies released a joint statement here.

06.04.20

Regional Court Munich postpones Nokia/Daimler judgment

The Regional Court Munich has postponed the judgment in the infringement case between Nokia and Daimler until 20 May 2020. The judgment, which concerns connected cars, was due to be released this Thursday 9 April. However, it has been pushed back until next month. In the meantime, read JUVE Patent’s background piece on the dispute and its significance to both the car and mobile phone industries.

02.04.20

EPO clarifies video conference procedure

The European Patent Office has rolled out its latest guidelines in accordance with the social distancing measures in place throughout Europe. Among other things, the office stipulates that oral proceedings are now to be held via video conference before examining divisions, the applicant and representative can participate from different locations, and documents can be submitted electronically. The full list of provisions can be found on the EPO website.

31.03.20

Bundespatentgericht suspends oral negotiations

The Federal Patent Court in Germany (Bundespatentgericht) has established an emergency operation in which oral negotiations are suspended. However, the court is still receiving applications, complaints and written submissions.

DPMA extends IP proceedings

The DPMA has extended deadlines in all granted property rights proceedings until 4 May 2020. However, it cannot extend legally-specified time limits. Currently, hearings and appeals are not taking place and the office is not issuing further summons. Already-scheduled hearings will be cancelled.

EPO extends time limits

The European Patent Office is extending all time limits from 15 March to 19 April 2020, for all parties and their representatives. This also includes all international applications as stipulated by the Patent Cooperation Treaty. Depending on the future trajectory of the coronavirus pandemic, the EPO may extend time limits still further.

30.03.20

Conversant and ZTE/Huawei FRAND trial postponed in London

Richard Hacon, presiding judge of the IPEC and current deputy High Court judge, has postponed a FRAND trial due to be heard on 27 April. Hacon decrees that the importance and nuances of the case are such that it cannot be heard via written submission only. The parties have been given permission to seek a FRAND trial on the first available date after 1 October 2020. A technical trial has already taken place.

25.03.20

UK court holds hearing via Skype

A procedural hearing between Edwards Lifesciences and Meril Life Sciences took place via Skype, with presiding judge Colin Birss working in his home office. Katie Coltart, partner at Kirkland & Ellis, said on LinkedIn, [sic] “The Kirkland & Ellis London IP Litigation team had its first ever Skype hearing with the Court yesterday. It ran very smoothly. Barristers had cameras on at all times and mics on while speaking. Solicitors had cameras off (phew!), mics muted. The judge was in robes but the barristers wore suits.”

24.03.20

Courts in England and Wales to hear urgent cases

The Guardian reports that courts are beginning to hear only the most urgent of cases. In England and Wales, this means the most serious criminal trials should be heard in front of a jury. For patent cases, it is widely expected hearings will be postponed until the near future. The lastest case to be heard in person, a pharmaceutical case between Akebia, Fibrogen and Astellas, ended last Friday.

23.03.20

French Public Health Code introduces new article

The French government has taken one step further than the use of compulsory licenses. Since the government passed a new article, L.3131-15, in light of the coronavirus pandemic, it is now possible (i) to permit the seizure of drugs (“requisition of all goods”) and/or (ii) to ask the launch of generic products on the French territory before the expiry of patents/SPCs, if necessary (“take any measures to make available to patients appropriate medicines”).

Smiths Group makes IP available

Last week, UK prime minister Boris Johnson called for manufacturers to switch production lines to life-saving equipment such as ventilators. Now UK engineering group Smiths Group has made the IP covering one of its lines of ventilators, paraPAC, available to other manufacturers. The group is also scaling up production to meet demand.

19.03.2o

An important infringement and FRAND trial between NPE Sisvel and Chinese electronics company Haier has been postponed ©hedgehog94/ADOBE STOCK

Federal Court of Justice postpones Sisvel vs. Haier hearing

In Germany, the Federal Court of Justice has postponed an oral hearing in the infringement and FRAND trial between Sisvel against Haier. The original date has moved from 30 March 2020 to 5 May 2020. The case is considered to be the leading case in the interpretation of FRAND in Germany, following the judgment of the CJEU in Huawei vs. ZTE in 2015.

London’s Aldgate Tower non-operational

On Twitter, the intellectual property office (IPO) of the UK government announced it remains functioning as usual. Its services are currently unaffected, although the announcement urges users to shift to online services and avoid personal visits. However, Algate Tower is currently non-operational. This is where tribunal hearings are heard, and was until last month planned as London’s UPC HQ. The IPO says hearings can be conducted via alternative methods.

Dutch Patent Office maintains skeleton staff

The Dutch Patent Office remains staffed, but is ensuring most of its employees work from home following governmental advice. Staff members in the office will carry out tasks essential to the running of the office.

18.03.20

EPO postpones all oral hearings

The European Patent Office is rescheduling of all oral proceedings in examination and opposition divisions until 27 March. This is unless the hearings have already been scheduled to be heard via video conference.

German Justice Union demands court closures

The German Justice Union (Justiz-Gewerkschaft), the trade union for the German judicial service, has demanded closure of the country’s courts for at least two weeks in light of the ongoing pandemic. According to newspapers of the Funke media group, chairman Emanuel Schmidt says,  “The acute corona crisis is a danger to employees in courts and public prosecutor’s offices. It is therefore now necessary to close the courts for at least two weeks.”

Mannheim Regional Court reduces business

The Regional Court in Mannheim has suspended non-all urgent business until 19 April 2020. Only certain personnel are permitted to enter the court, for example participants and spectators of non-urgent cases. Personal contact with judges and press offices has all but concluded, although press offices and courts can be reached via email and phone.

17.03.20

Nokia and Daimler postpone oral hearings

Mannheim Regional Court has suspended two oral hearings in the ongoing case between Nokia and Daimler. The trial involved two patents, EP 21 45 404, and EP 12 73 199. The second trial had already been moved from 10 December 2019.

Italian courts suspend hearings

The Italian courts, including its IP courts, have declared there will be no more hearings until 15 April. This date is an extension of the initial advice to close the courts until 22 March. Initially, judges could decide to hold hearings in urgent cases, but now even preliminary injunction proceedings are being postponed. Now, between 15 April and 30 June, the courts could adopt further measures depending on the situation. This includes hearings held with lawyers and parties participating remotely, further postponement, or exchange of written submissions.

Courts in the Netherlands close

As of 17 March, all Dutch courts and tribunals will close, including patent courts. However, the Judiciary has announced that urgent cases will go ahead, e.g. where to omit a court decision would constitute a miscarriage of justice, albeit with no audience.

16.03.20

Benelux office continues operations

The Benelux Office for Intellectual Property (BOIP) will operate with severely reduced staffing levels. In a statement, the office said it “will not withdraw any requests or procedures because a given deadline has not been met,” and it will grant “an additional period of one month for all requests and proceedings for which the time limits have expired or which are less than one month at that time.”

French judges await government announcement

A source has told JUVE Patent that judges at the patent courts in France await “strict containment measures as of tonight.” This is in-line with the latest announcements made by the French government and president Emmanuel Macron, who this evening is expected to confirm a 15-day quarantine period for its citizens, according to reports.

The Royal Courts of Justice houses both the High Court and the Court of Appeal in the UK ©pxl.store/ADOBE STOCK

Patent cases going ahead in UK courts

Last week, the UK High Court heard the case between Akebia and Fibrogen, which is due to extend into this week. So far, the hearing is going ahead as scheduled. Also scheduled to be heard next week is the second trial in the Conversant vs. Apple case regarding FRAND. This case should also still be heard, although future decisions of the court depend on the latest advice issued by the UK government.

Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court restricts public access

The Düsseldorf Higher Regional Court has restricted public traffic, requesting all submissions and requests be made by email, fax, post, and via its in-house post box. Meetings are postponed, although if this is not possible, the court states personal meetings can go ahead through prior appointment.

DPMA closes rooms and extends pleadings

The DPMA (German Patent and Trade Mark Office) has closed its enquiry units and search rooms, with no consultations being held. The Arbitration Board of the DPMA has extended all open pleading deadlines under the Law on Employee Inventions until 15 May 2020. Parties do not need to request a separate deadline extension.

The EPO Boards of Appeal in Haar, Munich ©EPO

EPO Boards of Appeal cancel hearings

All Boards of Appeal hearings due to be heard between 16 and 27 March 2020 have been cancelled. The EPO says the president of the Boards of Appeal, Carl Josefsson, is continuing to take stock of the situation, with representatives from the boards contacting affected parties. Oral hearings in front of examination and opposition divisions will take place as scheduled.

EUIPO extends time limits

The European Union Intellectual Property Office has extended its time limits for all proceedings occurring between 9 March 2020 and 30 April 2020. Time limits have been extended until 1 May, given what the EUIPO describes as “the extent and the status of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) outbreak” which “constitutes an exceptional occurrence”.

Munich court issues visitor advice

The Higher Regional Court in Munich has released advice for its visitors, urging the public not to come to the court buildings unless absolutely necessary. It is offering a telephone service for those who need to get in contact. No other German courts have issued guidance as of yet.

15.03.20

EPO opposition divisions will hear oral hearings as scheduled

Despite its deadline extension announcement, the EPO has confirmed it will still hear oral proceedings before examining and opposition divisions as scheduled. However, if the proceedings involve those who have recently visited high risk areas, they will be held via video conference or postponed if necessary. Alternative measures such as video conferencing are also an option for parties affected by travel restrictions or isolation instructions.

EPO extends deadlines to 17 April 2020

The European Patent Office, which has its headquarters in Munich, has extended all deadlines, except oral proceedings, to mid-April. The grounds for this decision are based on the concept of ‘general dislocation’ as defined under Rule 134(2) of the European Patent Convention.

This reads, “As a state in which the European Patent Office is located, the Federal Republic of Germany, like many other Contracting States, is experiencing restrictions on the movement and circulation of persons as well as on certain services, exchanges and public life in general, which can be qualified as a general dislocation within the meaning of Rule134(2) EPC.”

EQEs cancelled

The Supervisory Board of the European Qualifying Examination has cancelled its EQE (pre-examination and main examination) papers. These are the main qualifying exams for European Patent Attorneys. The UK-based Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys described this announcement as a “tremendous shock”.