If the formalities officer considers that no further ex-officio objection to the admissibility of each or the only opposition remains, he will invite the proprietor of the patent, immediately after expiry of the opposition period or the period laid down by the formalities officer for the remedying of the deficiencies in accordance with Rule 56(2) (see IV, 1.2.2.2), or for the presentation of evidence (see IV, 1.2.2.1(v)), to file his observations concerning the oppositions communicated earlier and to file amendments, where appropriate, to the description, claims and drawings within a period to be fixed by the formalities officer (normally four months). This also applies to oppositions where a decision to the effect that they are deemed not to have been filed or are inadmissible has not yet been taken or has not yet become final.

If several notices of opposition have been filed, the formalities officer will communicate them to the other opponents at the same time as the communication provided for in the previous paragraph. This will not be combined with an invitation to file observations or the setting of a time limit.