Report on the results of the user consultation on increased flexibility in the timing of examination process now available online

The online user consultation on increased flexibility in the timing of the examination process was carried out between 19 November 2018 and 11 January 2019. The purpose of this consultation was primarily to gather users' input on the need for and feasibility of introducing a postponed examination scheme in the European patent system.
The consultation received a high interest in terms of user participation, with over 620 responses both from individuals and user groups. The users' feedback was carefully analysed and will be taken into account when further considering possible ways for providing increased flexibility in the examination process. A summary of the results of the user consultation can be accessed below.
The EPO would like to thank the users who took part in the consultation.
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