This procedural step is iterated as long as the applicant can and will make amendments. Furthermore in all three procedures, an applicant may withdraw or abandon the application at any time before the application is granted or finally refused. After the decision to grant the patent, the patent specifications are published if certain administrative conditions are fulfilled. Any person may file an opposition to the JPO against a grant of patent within six months of the date of publication. Opposition can lead either to a maintenance or revocation of the patent.
Opposition can lead to maintenance, possibly in amended form, or revocation of the patent.
Appeal An appeal can be filed by any of the parties concerned against a decision taken by the Trilateral Offices. In practice applicants would appeal decisions to reject the application or revoke the patent, while opponents would appeal decisions to maintain the patent. The procedure is in principle similar for the three Offices. The examining department first studies the arguments brought forward by the appellant and decides whether the decision should be revised. If not, the case is forwarded to a Board of Appeal which may take a final decision or refer the case back to the examining department.