Oppositions

Oppositions at the EPO and other post-grant challenges, such as those at the USPTO, can be procedurally, technically and strategically complex. Our experience of these proceedings, representing both patentees and opponents, often involving multiple parties, makes EIP the firm of choice for clients seeking representation in these proceedings in all technical areas.

Expert team

Our team members have represented clients in hundreds of oppositions before the EPO over the last two decades.

By working collaboratively and sharing expertise we keep on top of the latest substantive and procedural developments before the EPO Opposition Divisions, Boards of Appeal and the Enlarged Board of Appeal.

Comprehensive service

We represent clients in person at hearings at the EPO in Munich, The Hague and Berlin, as well as using EIP's IT systems to ensure the best possible outcomes in virtual hearings.

Our integrated team of patent attorneys, litigators and paralegals can act in national court litigation alongside EPO opposition proceedings for a seamless, consistent and effective service.

We are also experienced at using Third-Party Observations at the EPO and WIPO to challenge patent applications before they are granted, which for some clients may be a more cost-effective manner in which to address third-party rights of potential concern.

Maximising success

We work with our clients to devise customised strategies in order to maximise success in commercially important oppositions. This can involve steps such as strategic collaboration with other parties sharing a common interest and holding mock hearings to hone strategies and arguments before the official hearing at the EPO. Mock hearings can range from two attorneys arguing both sides of the case up to having independent consultants acting as the Opposition Division or Board of Appeal, with teams of attorneys, experts and clients attending.

Very commercially focused, with wide strategic and tactical experience, and a huge depth of highly skilled technical knowledge.

— Legal 500 2021

Key Contacts

Partner Contact

Gareth Probert

Partner

UK and European Patent Attorney

London

Partner Contact

Monika Rai

Partner

UK and European Patent Attorney, Solicitor

London

Partner Contact

Ben Willows

Partner

UK and European Patent Attorney, Design Attorney

Bath

Contact Us

+44 (0)20 7440 9510
oppositions@eip.com

or Enquire now

Bath +44
(0)1225 337843

Westpoint,nJames Street West,nBath, BA1 2DA,nUNITED KINGDOM

Cardiff +44
(0)29 2023 0509

40 Windsor Place,nCardiff, CF10 3BW,nUNITED KINGDOM

Denver +1
720-845-6065

1801 Wewatta St., 11th Floor nDenver, CO 80202,nUSA

Leeds +44
(0)113 245 7981

Northspring,n21-23 Wellington Street,nLeeds, LS1 4DL,nUNITED KINGDOM

London +44
(0)20 7440 9510

Fairfax House, n15 Fulwood Place,nLondon, WC1V 6HU,nUNITED KINGDOM

Stockholm +44
(0)20 7440 9510

Visiting address -nDrottninggatan 81A, 111 60 nStockholmnSWEDENnnPostal address -nBox 3632n103 59 StockholmnSWEDEN

Düsseldorf +49
(0)211 9595 8500

Broadway Office,nBreite Strasse 29-31,n40213 Düsseldorf,nGERMANY