When is a search not a search? Part 3 – The worst of the worst: When complex applications also lack unity Original Research Article

Complex Applications are often difficult for patent examiners to search comprehensively due to problems relating to Articles 83 and 84 of the EPC. Non-Unity occurs when there is no single general inventive concept in an application (Article 82, EPC). But what does an examiner do when his application contains both? This article explores the particular problems and possible solutions when an application is both complex and lacking unity, and also notes that the streamlined EPO procedure can deal with these more effectively. Whilst the article comments on EPO procedure, it is the opinion of the authors alone and is not an official EPO view.