Guide for Applicants - Part 2:How to get a European patent: C. The EPO as an International Searching Authority (ISA) - PCT Chapter I, II. The procedure before the EPO as ISA, IPRP Chapter I

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

D / E

How to get a European patent

A. General overview

B. The EPO as a PCT receiving Office

C. The EPO as an International Searching Authority

D. The EPO as an International Preliminary Examining Authority

E. Euro-PCT procedure before the EPO as a designated or elected Office

Annexes

Guide for Applicants - Part 2

C. The EPO as an International Searching Authority (ISA) - PCT Chapter I

D. The EPO as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) - PCT Chapter II

II. The procedure before the EPO as ISA

IPRP Chapter I

When may the EPO refuse to conduct a (full) search?

IPRP Chapter I

If no demand for international preliminary examination is filed, the WO-ISA will be converted by the IB into an International Preliminary Report on Patentability (IPRP Chapter I). Further, on request it will be communicated to the designated Offices on expiry of 30 months from the priority date. A copy is promptly sent to the applicant. The procedure where a demand for international preliminary examination is filed is set out in point 139 ff.

R. 44bis, 93bis.1 PCT

The IPRP Chapter I together with the informal comments will be made available for public inspection at the IB, but not before 30 months from the priority date. The same is true of the WO-ISA.

R. 44ter, 94.1(b) PCT

Before taking a decision on filing a demand for international preliminary examination, applicants are advised to consider the information provided hereafter (see point 139 ff).