Rule 321 – Application by both parties to use of the language in which the patent was granted as language of the proceedings

1. At any time during the written procedure, any party may lodge an Application by both parties to use the language in which the patent was granted as language of the proceedings, in accordance with Article 49(3) of the Agreement. The Application shall state that both parties agree to use the language in which the patent was granted as the language of the proceedings.

2. As soon as practicable, the Registry shall forward the Application to the panel.

3. The panel shall, as soon as practicable, decide whether it approves the Application by both parties to use the language in which the patent was granted as the language of the proceedings. Where the panel does not approve the Application, the Registry shall as soon as practicable inform the parties who may request, within 10 days, that the action be referred to the central division and the action shall be transferred accordingly.

4. Where the action is transferred to the central division Rule 41 shall apply mutatis mutandis.

Relation with Agreement: Article 49(3)