1.2 Exceptions 

Notwithstanding D‑VII, 1.1 above, oppositions are to be given priority:

(i)if the earlier examination proceedings were of considerably longer duration than usual; 

(ii)if the opposition proceedings have already extended over a considerably longer period than usual; 

(iii)if a party to the proceedings has submitted a reasoned request for accelerated processing in a case where an infringement action in respect of the European patent is pending before a national court of a contracting state, or if the EPO is informed by a national court or competent authority of a contracting state that infringement actions are pending (see the notice from the EPO dated 17 March 2008, OJ EPO 2008, 221);

(iv)if other matters to be dealt with, e.g. divisional applications, hinge upon the final decision concerning the opposition; or 

(v)if the next procedural step can be dealt with relatively quickly.