Rule 18

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(1) When the opposition is found admissible pursuant to Rule 17, the Office shall send a communication to the parties informing them that the opposition proceedings shall be deemed to commence two months after receipt of the communication. This period may be extended up to a total of 24 months if both parties submit requests for such an extension before the period expires.


(2) If, within the period referred to in paragraph 1, the application is withdrawn or restricted to goods and services against which the opposition is not directed, or the Office is informed about a settlement between the parties, or the application is rejected in parallel proceedings, the opposition proceedings shall be closed.


(3) If, within the period referred to in paragraph 1, the applicant restricts the application by deleting some of the goods and services against which the opposition is directed, the Office shall invite the opposing party to state, within such a period as it may specify, whether he maintains the opposition, and if so, against which of the remaining goods and services. If the opposing party withdraws the opposition in view of the restriction the opposition proceedings shall be closed.


(4) If before expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1 the opposition proceedings are closed pursuant to paragraphs 2 or 3, no decision on costs shall be taken.


(5) If before expiry of the period referred to in paragraph 1 the opposition proceedings are closed following a withdrawal or restriction of the application or pursuant to paragraph 3, the opposition fee shall be refunded.