Schedule 1paragraph 5
34.Paragraph 5 removes from section 81 certain provisions which concern transitional arrangements connected with the setting up of the EPO in the 1970s. The provisions made it possible for European patent applications in certain areas of technology to be converted to national UK patent applications. This reflected the fact that the EPO did not, initially, process patent applications in all areas of technology. Under EPC 2000, the corresponding provisions in the EPC have been deleted.
35.Furthermore, the paragraph restates the remaining provision in section 81(1), so that the wording is consistent with the corresponding provision of EPC 2000. Therefore, when a European application is deemed to be withdrawn under the EPC, because the application has not been forwarded to the EPO within the required time, it may be converted into a national UK patent application if the conditions set out in section 81(2) are met.