The abstract is initially supplied by the applicant. The examiner has the task of determining its definitive content, which will normally be published with the application. In doing this, he should consider the abstract in relation to the application as filed (see IV, 1.4). If the search report is published later than the application, the abstract published with the application will be the one resulting from the examination referred to in IV, 1.4, third sentence.

In determining the definitive content, the examiner should take into consideration that the abstract is merely for use as technical information and in particular must not be used for the purpose of interpreting the scope of the protection sought. The abstract should be so drafted that it constitutes an efficient instrument for purposes of searching in the particular technical field and should in particular make it possible to assess whether there is need for consulting the European patent application itself.