The EPO updated Online Filing 2.0 on 4 November: when adding a patent literature document to the notice of opposition, Form EP2300, the field "Patent office" is now "Country code" and "Publication type" is now "Kind code". The same release improves import functionality and fixes minor bugs.
MyEPO 1.31.0, released on 2 November, brings two opposition-related changes:
- an optional "Representing" column in the Applications and patents area shows whether the portfolio owner represents an applicant or proprietor, or an opponent;
- in opposition cases, users can now update the opposition file reference in the Applications and patents area.
The same version also lets users with email alerts see the applications concerned and more detail on each alert.
Both are live system features. They differ from the rule-change proposal reported earlier on this site, which would make Form 2300 mandatory for oppositions and let parties cite patent literature available to the EPO by publication number alone, and which still awaits the Administrative Council.
J&C recommends adding both to opposition filing and docketing checklists: enter the country code and kind code separately when citing patent literature in Form 2300, keep your own file reference on each opposition in MyEPO, and switch on the Representing column to separate cases where you act for the proprietor from those where you act for the opponent.
Source: www.epo.org | www.epo.org
