After a formalities examination, the Receiving Section or, where appropriate, the Examining Division, issues a report to the applicant if the application is found to be formally defective. The report will identify all the particular requirements of the EPC which the application does not satisfy and, in the case of deficiencies which can be corrected, will invite the applicant to correct such deficiencies within specified periods (see III, 14). The applicant will be notified of the consequences, e.g. application deemed withdrawn, priority right lost, which result from the deficiencies or failure to take appropriate action within due time.

In general, a time limit will be specified for meeting each particular objection. These time limits are either fixed by the EPC or left, subject to certain restrictions, to the discretion of the EPO (see E-VIII, 1). If a deficiency is not rectified within due time, then the legal effects that are envisaged will apply.