Rule 24(1) - OJ 1998, 143

Launching of the beta-test of the PCT-EASY software for the filing of international applications

- OJ 1998, 143 -

In co-operation with the European Patent Office (EPO), the International Bureau (IB) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has developed a version of the EASY¹ software for the preparation and filing of international applications (PCT-EASY), which is to be launched for beta-testing. At present, the software is available only in the English language.

As announced in PCT Gazette No. 08/1998 and PCT Newsletter No. 03/1998, the Director General of WIPO has determined that the format of the print-out of the computer-generated request form prepared using the PCT-EASY software is permitted for the presentation of the request form (PCT/RO/101) in relation to international applications filed by registered beta users with the receiving Offices participating in the pilot project.

The EPO in its capacity as receiving Office under the PCT is participating in this pilot project and will as from 1 April 1998 accept international patent applications prepared using the PCT-EASY software, provided that the conditions set out in the PCT-EASY manual (to be delivered to each registered user together with the software) are met.

Any user of the PCT procedure interested in participating in the beta test should inform the IB accordingly.

International applications prepared using the PCT-EASY software must contain at least the following items:

(a) a print-out of the duly completed PCT-EASY generated request form with the indication "For Submission" in the header of each page. This print-out replaces the printed request form (PCT/RO/101).

(b) the application documents (description, claims and drawings, if any) in paper form, and

(c) any other documents, if appropriate.

The one or more diskette(s) containing the completed PCT-EASY request form and the abstract should also be submitted together with the application papers.

If the application concerns nucleotide and amino acid sequences, the relevant listings must be presented on paper as part of the description and on a separate, clearly labelled machine-readable data carrier containing the listings in the prescribed form.²

The PCT-EASY helpdesk can be contacted at the following address:

PCT-EASY helpdesk

International Bureau of WIPO

34, chemin des Colombettes,

Geneva, SWITZERLAND

Tel.: (+41-22) 338 9523

Fax: (+41-22) 910 0030

e-mail: pcteasy.help@wipo.int