Documents, either in the form of originals or copies relating to proceedings shall be kept in files, a file number being attached to such proceedings, except for those documents relating to the exclusion of, or objection to, members of the Board of Appeal, or to the staff of the Office or the Examination Office concerned, which shall be kept separately.

The Office shall keep one copy of the file referred to in paragraph 1 (file copy) which shall be considered the true and complete copy of the file. The Examination Office may keep a copy of the documents relating to such proceedings (examination copy), but shall ensure delivery of those originals which the Office does not hold.

The original documents filed by parties to the proceedings which form the basis of any electronic files may be disposed of after a period following their reception by the Office.

The President of the Office shall determine the details as to the form in which the files are to be kept, the period during which files are to be kept and the period referred to in paragraph 3.