3.5. Grounds raised against claims amended after grant

Amendments of the claims or other parts of a patent in the course of opposition (or opposition appeal) proceedings are to be examined as to their compatibility with the requirements of the EPC. The principle that the opposition division must examine only such grounds for opposition as have been properly submitted and substantiated in accordance with Art. 99(1) EPC 1973 in conjunction with R. 55(c) EPC 1973 (R. 76(1) EPC, R. 76(2)(c) EPC) does not apply to such amendments (see G 9/91 and G 10/91, OJ 1993, 408 and 420, point 19 of the Reasons respectively). For details, see chapter IV.C.5.2 "Scope of examination of amendments" which also explains the limited extent of the power to examine amended claims for compliance with Art. 84 EPC.