4(1)Where notice of opposition to the grant of a patent has been given under section 14 of the 1949 Act before the appointed day, the following provisions shall apply:—
(a)if issue has been joined on the notice before the appointed day, the opposition, any appeal from the comptroller's decision on it and any further appeal shall be prosecuted under the old law, but as if references in the 1949 Act and rules made under it to the Appeal Tribunal were references to the Patents Court;
(b)in any other case, the notice shall be taken to have abated immediately before the appointed day.
(2)Sub-paragraph (1)(a) above shall have effect subject to paragraph 12(2) below.