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IX.
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General provisions governing time limits
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The principle is that a time limit is calculated from the day after the date on which the relevant event occurred. In the case of a notification, the event considered is the receipt of the document notified, subject to the provisions governing notification, the generally applicable procedure for which is indicated below. Time limit expiry is regulated in Rule 83(3)-(5). In certain special cases a time limit may be extended in accordance with Rule 85.
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R. 83
Guid. E-VIII, 1.4
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A time limit will be deemed to have been observed if a document received late was posted, or delivered to a delivery service recognised by the President of the EPO (Chronopost, Deutsche Post Express, DHL, Federal Express, LTA, TNT, SkyNet or UPS), at least five calendar days before the relevant time limit expired, unless the document was received later than three months after the time limit expired.
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R. 84a
OJ 2003, 283
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211
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A time limit set by the EPO may also be extended under Rule 84 provided that a request for extension is submitted before it expires. However, a request for extension which would make the total period over six months long will be allowed only in exceptional circumstances.
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R. 84
Guid. E-VIII, 1.6
OJ 1989, 180;
OJ 1994, 229
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212
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All decisions, summonses, notices and communications from which a time limit is reckoned are delivered as notifications.
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Art. 119
R. 77-82
Guid. E-I
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As a rule, notification is effected by registered letter, which is deemed to be delivered on the tenth day following its posting unless it fails to reach the addressee or reaches him at a later date.
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R. 78(2)
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D. The European patent grant procedure
VIII. Renewal fees
