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PART IV – COMMON PROVISIONS

Overview

Rule 20
Common provisions governing procedure

(1)The following provisions of the EPC, as amended, shall apply mutatis mutandis: Article 14, paragraphs 1, 3 and 7; Article 113, paragraph 1; Articles 114, 117, 119, 120, 125; Article 128, paragraph 4; Articles 131, 133; Article 134, paragraphs 1, 5 and 8.

(2)The following provisions of the Implementing Regulations to the EPC, as amended, shall apply mutatis mutandis:

(a)Rules 1 and 2; unless otherwise provided Rule 3, paragraph 1, first sentence; Rule 3, paragraph 3; Rules 4 and 5;

(b)Rules 22 to 24;

(c)Rule 50, paragraphs 2 and 3;

(d)Rule 111, paragraph 1; Rules 112 and Rule 113 EPC;

(e)Rule 115; Rule 116, paragraph 1; Rules 117 to 124;

(f)Rules 125 to 130;

(g)Rule 131; Rule 133, paragraph 1, subject to the proviso that the document referred to in that provision has been received no later than one month after expiry of the period; Rule 134;

(h)Rule 139, first sentence, and Rule 140;

(i)Rule 142;

(j)Rules 144 to 147;

(k)Rules 148 to 150;

(l)Rules 151 to 153.

(3)When applying the provisions referred to in paragraphs 1 and 2 mutatis mutandis, the term "Contracting States" shall be understood as meaning the Contracting States to the EPC, except in Article 125 EPC, where it shall be understood as meaning the participating Member States.

(4)Where the present Rules, including the provisions of the EPC applicable mutatis mutandis under the present Rules, refer to "a period to be specified", this period shall be specified by the European Patent Office. Unless otherwise provided, a period specified by the European Patent Office shall be neither less than one month nor more than four months.

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