Main Hearing

At the conclusion of the evidence rounds in inter partes disputes the parties have the option of accepting a decision based on the papers filed during the proceedings, in which case they will be allowed a period of time to file submissions (effectively what they would have said at a hearing), or they may request a hearing. In either case the decision will be taken by a Hearing Officer.

A main hearing is a formal proceeding with each party given a chance to put their case directly to the Hearing Officer, and to listen to and respond to the other parties argument. However, these are not court proceedings and parties will be limited in the number of times they may speak.

It is rare for decisions following main hearings to be given orally at the conclusion of the hearing and the Hearing Officer will normally reserve judgment and issue a written decision at a latter date. It is normal for the Hearing Officer to give a time table for the issue of the decision.