1. Composition of the competent departments of first instance
Overview
1. Composition of the competent departments of first instance
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Art. 18(2) and Art. 19(2) EPC respectively govern the composition of examining divisions (see in this chapter III.K.1.2.) and opposition divisions (see in this chapter III.K.1.3.). Both examining and opposition divisions can add a legally qualified member to their number where they deem this to be necessary. General comments on changes in their composition appear in the next section (III.K.1.1.).
- T 2348/19
If a member of the department of first instance, who participated in the oral proceedings before that department, is unable to act at the time the reasoned decision is to be issued, for example due to death or a longer lasting illness, one of the other members may sign on behalf of the incapacitated member. However, in such a situation, a written explanation as to why one member is signing on behalf of another must be provided. In the absence of such an explanation, the contravention of Rule 113(1) EPC constitutes a substantial procedural violation (see points 1.3 and 1.4 of the Reasons).
- T 2344/16
Einer Änderung der Besetzung einer Prüfungsabteilung vor der mündlichen Verhandlung steht grundsätzlich nichts entgegen. Eine Verletzung des Rechts auf ein faires Verfahren und insbesondere auf rechtliches Gehör liegt darin an sich nicht. Die Einführung von neuem Stand der Technik, insbesondere zum Nachweis allgemeinen Fachwissens in Anwendung des Art. 114 EPÜ, zu einem späten Stadium der Prüfung und insbesondere während der mündlichen Verhandlung vor der Prüfungsabteilung verstößt nicht an sich gegen die ,,Waffengleichheit" im Verfahren.