What is sanction for wrong electronic signature ? R.2(2) EPC - T1427/09

In an interlocutory decision, the Board of Appeal in T1427/09 decided that filing appeal documents using the wrong electronic signature (the wrong smart card) may be remedied under R.50(3). The signature of someone who is not authorised is considered to the same as omitting the signature.

Draft 2010 version of EPO Examination Guidelines now available

Today (30/11/09), the EPO published a draft version of the Examination Guidelines. These Guidelines are updated based upon the EPC changes scheduled for 1/4/10, and may possibly be updated again.

For those sitting the EQE in 2010:
The Chairman of the Examination Board has also posted a notice, stating very clearly, that the version to be used on the EQE2010 is the version of 1 April 2009.

Pre-examination for EQE 2012 possible

At the tutor's meeting of 6 Nov 2010, we were told that the Examination Board is aiming to implement the new pre-examination in 2012.
The idea of a pre-examination is to provide an initial test of knowledge and competence. Candidates may only sit the EQE if they pass this pre-examination.

Remedies under PCT

PCT is rather compicated, which makes any overview particularly helpful.
I recently discovered this very useful document and presentation on the WIPO website.
In particular, the document (starting on page 27, has a very nice summary of "Procedural Safeguards for International Applications". Several of these have been on the EQE before.

Changes to EPC on1 April 2010 (1/4/10) will NOT be tested on EQE 2010

At the meeting between the tutors and the examination committees two weeks ago, it was clearly stated  by the D committee that the changes scheduled for 1/4/10 will NOT be tested.
The exam tests the law on the 31/12/09 - the fact that these changes have been published in the OJEPO this year does not mean that they automatically form part of the syllabus.
That should make studying a little bit easier.

Compensation for re-sitters in EQE 2010

Last week, I was in Munich for the yearly meeting of EQE tutors and the examination committees.
One of the issues explained was the compensation system, and in particular the possibility to retroactively pass individual examinations.

It is probably easiest to explain by examples.
(F): fail / (CF): compensable fail / (P): pass

For RE-SITTERS in 2010 and beyond

Compensation for first time sitters in EQE 2010 and 2011

Last week, I was in Munich for the yearly meeting of EQE tutors and the examination committees.
One of the issues explained was the compensation system, and in particular the possibility to retroactively pass individual examinations.

It is probably easiest to explain by examples.
(F): fail / (CF): compensable fail / (P): pass

For FIRST TIME SITTERS in 2010 and beyond