8. Request to stay adjourn opposition proceedings

If a party requests a stay adjournment of opposition proceedings for the sole reason of pending appeal or opposition proceedings of a patent family member (e.g. a parent application), the request will not be granted. The party will receive a communication from the opposition division indicating the reasons for its intention not to grant the request. This communication does not constitute an appealable decision under Art. 106(1) or Art. 106(2).

If oral proceedings take place and the request is maintained, the opposition division will address it at oral proceedings, giving the parties an opportunity to comment. After the oral discussion on the stay adjournment, the opposition division will take a decision on the request.

Reasons for a stay or interruption of proceedings are set out in E‑VII, 1 to E-VII, 3.