Proceedings Before the European Patent Office: A Practical Guide to Success in Opposition and Appeal (Elgar Practical Guides)

'From the trainee assisting on their first opposition to the seasoned patent attorney, Messrs Müller and Mulder have written a book relevant to anyone interested in contentious IP proceedings. Covering every aspect of opposition and appeal law and procedure, and supported by relevant and thoughtful examples throughout, even in relation to the intensely practical considerations surrounding oral proceedings, this is a welcome augmentation to current texts on European Patent Law. Essential reading for every practitioner!'
- Gwilym Roberts, European Patent Attorney and Partner, Kilburn and Strode LLP, UK

'The book illustrates, in a very instructive manner, the proceedings before the European Patent Office (EPO), specifically with regard to opposition and appeal procedures. It guides the reader on what to avoid when drafting and prosecuting European patent applications, and will help practitioners, both in industry and in the legal profession, to take appropriate account of the most recent case law developments of the EPO with regard to opposition and appeal proceedings.'
- Heinz Goddar, University of Bremen, Germany

Proceedings Before the European Patent Office: A Practical Guide to Success in Opposition and Appeal provides a better understanding of how opposition divisions and boards of appeal approach the cases before them. The book discusses such topical issues regarding how to:

- draft and prosecute patent applications to avoid problems later on in opposition and appeal
- properly attack or defend a patent
- react if the patent is amended
- argue in case of late filings
- act in oral proceedings.

The Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal are also discussed including their influence on opposition proceedings. This insightful book focuses on the practical aspects of the proceedings and contains numerous 'practical advice' sections and 'example cases'.

Experienced practitioners will find that the detailed case law citation adds depth to their knowledge. The practical advice and the illustrations from case law provide patent lawyers and patent attorneys with invaluable guidance on specific procedural and substantive questions, as well as on how to act properly in opposition and appeal proceedings. Proceedings Before the European Patent Office: A Practical Guide to Success in Opposition and Appeal is an indispensable tool in the armory of all patent practitioners.