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For all applications filed on or after 1 January 2004 the EPO as ISA issues not only an International Search Report (ISR) but also a Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority (WO-ISA). The WO-ISA provides the applicant with a preliminary non-binding written opinion on the question of whether the claimed invention appears to be novel, to involve an inventive step and to be industrially applicable. In content the WO-ISA is intended as a means to bring forward a report akin to a first written opinion under PCT Chapter II. Other requirements, such as form, contents or clarity, will be considered only if they have an impact on the assessment of novelty, inventive step and/or industrial applicability.