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Important notice of 28 July 2023

Hearings, proceedings and giving of evidence using image and sound transmission

Since 1 May 2022, it has been possible for the examining sections and the patent, utility model, trade mark and design divisions to permit the parties, upon request or ex officio, to participate via image and sound transmission in hearings, proceedings and the giving of evidence in procedures pursuant to the Patent Act (Patentgesetz), the Utility Model Act (Gebrauchsmustergesetz), the Trade Mark Act (Markengesetz), the Design Act (Designgesetz) and the Semiconductor Protection Act (Halbleiterschutzgesetz)
(see Important notice of 23 May 2023) .

The required technical equipment and appropriate premises are now available at the DPMA offices in Munich and Jena. For general information on the course of hearings and oral proceedings using image and sound transmission in procedures pursuant to the Patent Act and the Utility Model Act, please refer to the information leaflet concerning the participation in video conferences with the DPMA ( "Hinweise zur Teilnahme an Videokonferenzen mit dem DPMA") (in German).

There are no formal requirements for the request for participation using image and sound transmission. For the avoidance of doubt, there is no right or requirement to participate via video conferencing.

Last updated: 28 July 2023