Following the recent survey on videoconference hearings, the EPO President has decided that once the current pilot project comes to an end (1 January 2023), all EPO Opposition Oral Proceedings will be by VICO as default.
Upon request, in person hearings will still be possible if there are serious reasons against being them held by videoconference. If a request for Oral Proceedings be held at the EPO premises is refused, this will not be appealable.
The EPO announcement can be found here.
The Decision of the EPO President can be viewed here.
