1. Composition of the competent departments of first instance

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.).