Guide for Applicants - Part 2
How to get a European patent
 


 

D  /  E




 
Guide for Applicants - Part 2    
C. The EPO as an International Searching Authority (ISA) - PCT Chapter I B. The EPO as a PCT receiving Office D. The EPO as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) - PCT Chapter II
I. General   II. The procedure before the EPO as ISA
Application filed in Dutch Translation Partnership between the EPO, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM) and the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) for conducting international searches

Application filed in Dutch


72

An exception to the translation requirements for the purpose of international search by the EPO as ISA applies only if the application was filed with the Belgian or Netherlands patent office as receiving Office, since - although not an official language - the EPO as ISA also accepts applications in Dutch. Therefore, a translation of an international application filed in Dutch with the Belgian or Netherlands patent office is not required for the purpose of the international search by the EPO as ISA. However, within 14 months of the priority date a translation must be filed with the receiving Office in a language of publication accepted by the receiving Office for the purpose of international publication. The ISR and WO-ISA will be established in the language of the international publication. For the above reasons, filing an application in Dutch is to be carefully considered.

R. 12.3, 12.4, 43.4, 48.3 PCT

Agreement EPO-WIPO, Annex A

OJ 2001, 601

WIPO PCT Guide Vol. I/B, Annex D