4. Documents in a non-official language 

If the applicant

(i)disputes the relevance of a document in a non-official language cited in the search report (for procedure at the search stage, see B‑X, 9.1.2 and B-X, 9.1.3), and

(ii)gives specific reasons, 

the examiner needs to consider whether, in the light of these reasons and of the other prior art available, it is justified to pursue the matter. If so, the examiner must obtain a translation of the document (or merely the relevant part of it if that can be easily identified). If, after the translation, the document remains relevant, the examiner sends a copy of the translation to the applicant with the next official communication.

The requirement to provide a translation of a document in a non-official language also applies if the applicant is proficient in the language concerned. The translation enables the boards of appeal to examine whether the examining division's decision was justified (T 655/13).