Grant Procedure Before The European Patent Office - Responsibilities Within The EPO

Responsibilities Within The EPO

An Examining Division is normally made up of three technically qualified examiners: a Primary Examiner, who draws up the search report and conducts most of the correspondence (written or on the telephone) with the applicant; a Chairman who has overall control of the examination of the application and who chairs any oral proceedings that are held; and a Second Examiner who is responsible for taking the minutes of any oral proceedings. All three members have a vote on any formal issues that have to be decided, including the main decision of whether to allow or refuse the patent application. If the Examining Division is augmented with a legally qualified member, so that the Division consists of four members, then the Chairman has a casting vote.