Rules of Procedure of the Unified Patent Court (RoP)

Rule 104

Aim of the interim conference

The interim conference shall enable the judge-rapporteur to

• (a) identify main issues and determine which relevant facts are in dispute,
  (b) where appropriate, clarify the position of the parties as regards those issues and facts,
  (c) establish a schedule for the further progress of the proceedings,
  (d) explore with the parties the possibilities to settle the dispute or to make use of the facilities of the Centre,
  (e) where appropriate, issue orders regarding production of further pleadings, documents, experts (including court experts), experiments, inspections, further written evidence, the matters to be the subject of oral evidence and the scope of questions to be put to the witnesses.
  (f) where appropriate, but only in the presence of the parties, hold preparatory discussions with witnesses and experts with a view to properly preparing for the oral hearing.
  (g) make any other decision or order as he deems necessary for the preparation of the oral hearing including, after consultation with the presiding judge, an order for a separate hearing of witnesses and experts before the panel.
  (h) set a date for any separate hearing pursuant to point (g) of this Rule and confirm the date for the oral hearing.
  (i) decide the value of the particular dispute which value may, in exceptional cases, differ as between the parties depending upon the parties’ individual circumstances.

Notes

Relation with Agreement: Article 52(2)

Status: 15th draft of 31st May 2013