Computers and Mobile Phones in oral Proceedings before the EPO Boards of Appeal

Allowed in Oral Proceedings?

The Vice President of DG3, Wim van Eijk, has issued a notice which might be interested for practitioners:

In oral proceedings before the Boards of Appeal under Article 116 EPC the parties and their representatives are allowed to have with them and to use portable computers such as laptops, tablets or other electronic devices provided that their use does not create any nuisance or disturbance. Where, for example, the use of an electronic device disturbs the oral proceedings, the chairperson may decide to forbid its use.

See here for some remarks on the word "chairperson".