Stages of the proceedings (ex parte proceedings)
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Subject to paragraph 2, where an action is brought against a decision of the European Patent Office in carrying out the tasks referred to in Article 9 of Regulation (EU) No 1257/2012 (hereinafter “decision of the Office”), proceedings before the Court of First Instance shall consist of:
(a) a written procedure, which shall include a possibility for interlocutory review by the European Patent Office;
(b) an interim procedure, which may include an interim conference; and
(c) an oral procedure which, at the request of the claimant or at the instance of the Court, may include an oral hearing.
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This Rule and Rules 88 (save as expressly provided for in Rule 97), 89 and 91 to 96 shall not apply to an expedited action against a decision of the Office pursuant to Rule 97.