1.2 Representation by a professional representative; list of professional representatives; associations

Representation of natural or legal persons in proceedings before the EPO may only be undertaken by professional representatives whose names appear on a list kept for this purpose by the EPO. See, however, also A‑VIII, 1.5. The Legal Division has sole responsibility for entries and deletions in the list of professional representatives (see Art. 20(1) and the decision of the President of the EPO dated 21 November 2013, OJ EPO 2013, 600). A group of at least two professional representatives registered with the EPO under the name of as an association within the meaning of Rule 152(11) may be appointed collectively to represent a party under that name (see OJ EPO 2013, 535). In that case, each member of the association may perform procedural acts on behalf of the party, while correspondence from the EPO, according to Rule 130, is addressed to the association rather than one particular member. Parties are recommended to clearly specify whether they wish to appoint the association or an individual representative belonging to that association (see also A‑VIII, 1.7). The Legal Division is responsible for the registration of associations (OJ EPO 2013, 600).