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INFORMATION FROM THE EPO

Notice from the European Patent Office dated 3 December 2003 concerning the electronic filing of documents within the meaning of Rule 36 EPC

1. The European Patent Office (EPO) has extended the functionality of its epoline^® Online Filing software1. As from 3 December 2003, documents other than priority documents may be filed electronically in grant proceedings. This possibility is not yet available in opposition and appeal proceedings; in such proceedings, therefore, the electronic filing of documents is not admissible.

2. If the EPO is acting as receiving office or international searching or preliminary examining authority under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), no documents other than the international application (RO/101) may be filed electronically.

3. Receipt of documents filed online is acknowledged by the EPO during the submission session. Receipt of those filed on electronic data carriers is acknowledged by post.

4. epoline^® Online Filing software is available on request from EPO Customer Services.

For more information, contact:

EPO Customer Services

European Patent Office

Patentlaan 2

NL-2288 EE Rijswijk

Tel.: (+31-70) 340 4500

Fax: (+31-70) 340 4600

e-mail: epoline@epo.org

Internet: www.epoline.org

Contactable: Monday to Friday, from 08.00 to 18.00 hrs.