1. Who can file an opposition before the EPO?

Opposition to a European patent may be lodged by anyone other than the proprietor ( G 9/93 ). This is a specific feature of opposition proceedings, in that it is not necessary to demonstrate a particular interest; conversely, in nullity actions before the French national courts, the applicant for nullity must demonstrate an interest in acting (see Bringing down a patent that is in the way [FIC 1619] ).

If an opponent has neither...