Source: https://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/caselaw/2016/e/clr_ii_f_1.htm
Timestamp: 2019-06-26 06:34:57
Document Index: 66446738

Matched Legal Cases: ['Art. 76', 'Art. 76', 'Art. 123', 'Art. 76', 'Art. 123', 'Art. 76', 'Art. 100', 'Art. 54']

﻿ 1. Introduction - Case Law of the Boards of Appeal, II. PATENT APPLICATION AND AMENDMENTS, F. Divisional applications
II.F.1. Introduction
According to Art. 76(1), second sentence, EPC, the divisional application may be filed only in respect of subject-matter which does not extend beyond the content of the earlier application as filed. The divisional application is accorded the same filing date as the parent (earlier) application and benefits from any right of priority of the parent (earlier) application in respect of the subject-matter contained in the divisional application. When determining whether the subject matter of a divisional application extends beyond the content of the earlier application as filed (Art. 76(1), second sentence, EPC) exactly the same principles are to be applied as for extension of subject-matter under Art. 123(2) EPC (G 1/05, point 5.1 of the Reasons) (see in this chapter II.F.2.1).
Divisional applications may be amended like any other application. If a divisional application is amended, it must meet the requirements of both Art. 76(1) EPC and Art. 123(2) EPC, so as to preclude the introduction of new subject-matter into the proceedings (see in this chapter II.F.2.2).
A divisional application (of whatever generation) can be the "earlier application" within the meaning of Art. 76(1) EPC for a further divisional (G 1/06, OJ 2008, 307, point 10.2 of the Reasons). According to R. 36(1) EPC the earlier application must still be pending (see in this chapter II.F.3.4).
It is a ground of opposition and a ground of revocation if the subject-matter of a patent granted on a divisional application extends beyond the content of the earlier application as filed, see Art. 100(c), 138(1)(c) EPC.
The question whether a European parent application may be novelty-destroying state of the art under Art. 54(3) EPC for a divisional application filed from it, or a European divisional application may thus anticipate its parent, is treated in the context of partial priority in T 557/13 (referral G 1/15). For this and previous relevant decisions see Chapter II.D.5.3. "Multiple priorities for one claim".