Book review
Proceedings Before the European Patent Office
A Practical Guide to Success in Opposition and Appeal
Marcus O. Müller and Cees A.M. Mulder – 2nd Edition April 2020
 H. J. Brookhuis (NL) |
 I. de Grave-Wolterink (NL) |
The outcome of the new Rules of Procedure of the Boards of Appeal is one of the triggers for the second edition of this book. The book explains the rules and, more importantly, presents the practical consequences of these new rules. The reader learns that the impact goes well beyond the actual Appeal and Opposition Proceedings as it permeates into the process of drafting and prosecuting a patent application.
The authors have adopted an easy-to-read style that navigates between the legal framework and daily reality. Summarized practical examples serve to illustrate each issue. There is no need to read the entire book in one go. The book is well-structured and one can easily find information on a topic of interest.
The book clearly is not just a textbook on Opposition and Appeal. It is highly informative on the entire process of obtaining enforceable patents, defending them, or attacking them effectively. This makes the book an interesting read not only for those patent attorneys that are or will be involved in future opposition and appeal proceedings, but for anyone having an interest in this field. We would not hesitate to include clients, outside council, attorneys-at-law, and even EPO staff as potential readers who could benefit from this book.
