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EPO Oppositions & Appeals

Oppositions at the European Patent Office (EPO) are the only mechanism for central revocation of a European patent. Consequently, oppositions can be important business tools which can be used to secure a competitive advantage, especially when invalidating a competitor’s patent.

EPO Oppositions Schlich UK

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE

EPO OPPOSITIONS

We have a wealth of experience in oppositions before the European Patent Office (EPO). We excel at both attacking competitor’s patents as well as defending our clients from third party revocations. Our team is accustomed to handling high-value, complex proceedings and is, for example, currently attacking a suite of highly valuable, cutting edge life sciences patents.

We can draw on a large amount of collective patent opposition experience. However, we are always looking for innovative ways to provide comprehensive and clear strategic advice. We have significant experience in winning both oppositions and appeals for our clients and we have handled a large number of cases with a successful outcome. We have a team of patent attorneys who have decades’ worth of valuable experience representing clients at EPO oral proceedings, both at opposition level and before the Boards of Appeal. Importantly we are a cohesive team.

We regularly represent our clients at hearings before the EPO and are perfectly placed to advise on the latest developments and practice changes of both the EPO’s opposition divisions and the Boards of Appeal. Our attorneys have also participated in oral proceedings conducted by videoconferencing.

A successful outcome in EPO patent oppositions or appeals can be critical and can enable our clients to secure a business advantage over their competitors, or stake a place in a competitive environment. What makes us successful is not just our understanding of the different procedural stages of the process, but also knowledge of the changing practice and in-depth scientific expertise.

Compared to drafting and prosecution, European Patent Office (EPO) opposition work requires attorneys with a specialist skillset. This requires them to possess legal and technical knowledge, determination and focus. They need strategic thinking and persuasive presentation skills.

We have a multi-disciplinary team of attorneys with specialist expertise in handling and winning complex patent oppositions and opposition appeals, particularly at the EPO but also with experience in other jurisdictions.

Recent Insights

Read the latest insights from the Schlich team reporting recent cases and updates from the EPO.

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Carolyn Palmer - Schlich

Our team of UK and European Patent Attorneys and Chartered Trade Mark Attorneys are highly knowledgeable and experienced in assisting clients with all aspects of their IP needs.

Contact us now to find out more about how we could help you and your business.