EPC 1973 | EPC 2000 |
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R. 23a | - |
Chapter V – Prior European applications
Rule 23a
Prior application as state of the art
A revised version of the European Patent Convention entered into force on 13 December 2007. The provisions of the revised Convention apply unless the transitional provisions provide for the applicability of the EPC 1973. |
A European patent application shall be considered as comprised in the state of the art under Article 54, paragraphs 3 and 4, only if the designation fees under Article 79, paragraph 2, have been validly paid.