In Germany, questions of infringement and validity are dealt by different tribunals.
Limited use is made of oral proceedings, most of the procedure being written.
Decisions are reached relatively quickly and the costs are not too high. However, although in principle the owner of a patent right can seek inspection of a possible infringement, discovery proceedings are unlikely to be of help. Scope of Protection given by patent claims Claims were traditionally construed very broadly to cover anything using the same inventive concept as the invention claimed. The current law adopted the EPC provisions that protection was to be afforded in accordance with the claims interpreted in the light of the specification and may lead to narrower interpretations. Contributory infringement is actionable unless the material supplied is a staple article of commerce.