5. Late filing of missing drawings or missing parts of the description
5.1 Late filing of missing drawings or missing parts of the description – on invitation
The application is examined on filing to check that it is entitled to a date of filing date. If, during this check, the EPO notes that parts of the description or drawings appear to be missing, it will invite the applicant to file the missing parts within a time limit of two months of a communication under Rules 56(1) and 56a(1) (see A‑II, 6). During this time limit, the applicant may proceed under Rule 56 or 56a. If the applicant does not reply to this communication in time, then all references to the missing parts are deemed deleted. It should be noted that the applicant may not invoke the omission of the communication under Rules 56(1) and Rule 56a(1).
Missing parts of the claims cannot be filed under Rule 56.