2.5.2 Form and content of notice of appeal (Rule 99(1) EPC)

R. 99(1) EPC defines the content of the notice of appeal to be filed within the period specified in Art. 108 EPC. Under R. 99(1) EPC the notice of appeal shall contain, under R. 99(1)(a) EPC, the name and address of the appellant, under R. 99(1)(b) EPC an indication of the decision impugned and under R. 99(1)(c) EPC, a request defining the subject of the appeal.

A notice of appeal is a declaration directed to the EPO of the intention to challenge a particular decision by means of an appeal. The declaration of the intent to file an appeal must be clear and unambiguous (T 551/15).

The requirement of R. 99(1)(c) EPC takes into account the fact that the appellant's initial request, according to G 9/92 date: 1994-07-14 and G 4/93 (OJ 1994, 875) and G 1/99 (OJ 2001, 381) defines the subject of the appeal and thereby the framework of the appeal proceedings.