Article 16 Evidence rounds
When the period specified under rule 15(4) has expired, the registrar shall specify the periods within which evidence may be filed by the parties.
Where the applicant for a declaration of invalidity files no evidence (other than his statement of grounds) in support of his application, the registrar may treat him as having withdrawn his application.
The registrar may, at any time if he thinks fit, give leave to either party to file evidence upon such terms as he thinks fit.
Under this rule, evidence shall only be considered to be filed when—
it has been received by the registrar; and
it has been sent to all other parties to the proceedings.
The registrar shall give the parties an opportunity to be heard.
Where any party requests to be heard, the registrar shall send to the parties notice of a date for the hearing.