Only such oppositions as are deemed to have been filed will be examined for deficiencies under Rule 56(1) and (2).

If the formalities officer is not sure whether the opposition in question contains a deficiency under Rule 55(c), he will submit the file to the Opposition Division for checking. He will do this in particular if the opposition alleges non-patentability under Art. 52, 54 and 56 and the relevant prior art has been made available to the public by means other than by written description, or if taking of evidence has been requested in accordance with Rule 72.

In this connection the Opposition Division will also examine the extent to which it is necessary for the formalities officer to request the opponent to submit evidence (see IV, 1.2.2.1(v)).