Moderator: Gwilym Roberts, Partner at Kilburn & Strode LLP, London

Guests: Cyra Nargolwalla, Partner at Passeraud IP, Paris and Dr Joachim Renken, Partner at Hoffmann Eitle, Munich

In a lively debate three experienced patent attorneys critically assess “Opposition by VICO” at the EPO.

Oral proceedings cannot be postponed indefinitely, despite the pandemic’s restrictions on travel and meetings. Since last summer the EPO has been transitioning to videoconferencing (VICO) for opposition hearings, adapting its technical platforms and legal frameworks to keep the wheels of justice turning. But what do patent attorneys think about the EPO’s VICOs services? What has gone well, and what do they suggest for improvements?