The Executive Committee of the European Patent Office issued a decision in 2022 to amend Rules 126 (2), 127 (2), and 131 (2) of the European Patent Convention (EPC) to repeal the 10-day rule. According to the latest news, the European Patent Office has decided to abolish the 10-day rule from November 1, 2023.

According to the new regulations, documents dated before November 1, 2023 will be deemed to have been delivered on the tenth day after the date indicated in the document, while documents dated on or after November 1, 2023 will be deemed to have been delivered on the date indicated in the document without any additional 10 days. Therefore, the due date for responding to the official documents of the European Patent Office has been shortened by 10 days compared to the past. In order to assist applicants in adapting to the new rules as soon as possible, MindArh IP will make some process adjustments and promptly remind clients of the due date under the new rules.