Introduction
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This part of the EPO Guide for Applicants ("EPO PCT Guide") is aimed at applicants interested in pursuing the procedure under the PCT. The Guide has a summary character and focuses on the elements specific to the PCT procedure before the EPO. Although the information is not complete, it aims to cover all the points to note when the EPO acts in its capacity as:
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an International Searching Authority,
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an International Preliminary Examining Authority, and/or
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a designated or elected Office.
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Annex II shows the different phases (see also Annex III).
As from 1 January 2004 the procedures under the PCT have undergone major changes as a consequence of amendments to the Regulations under the PCT ("PCT Rules"), which are covered by the term Enhanced International Preliminary Search and Examination System ("EISPE system"). It should be noted that the new procedures apply in general only to international applications filed on or after 1 January 2004. Unless indicated otherwise, the EPO PCT Guide applies only to the procedures in force from 1 January 2004. Therefore, if an application was filed before this date, the procedures set out below will not apply or will apply only in part. In this case, the reader is referred to the information provided in the previous version of this guide and to further publications mentioned below.
The present version of the EPO PCT Guide is updated to 1 December 2005. Any comments on the guide may be sent to Directorate 5.2.5. The postal and e-mail addresses are shown on the cover page.
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