Guide for Applicants - Part 2:How to get a European patent: D. The EPO as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) - PCT Chapter II, II. The international preliminary examination procedure before the EPO as an IPEA, Confidentiality of the international preliminary examination

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

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

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

E. Euro-PCT procedure before the EPO as a designated (PCT Chapter I) or elected (PCT Chapter II) Office

II. The international preliminary examination procedure before the EPO as an IPEA

Confidentiality of the international preliminary examination

What must be done after receipt of IPRP Chapter II?

When is the EPO a designated or elected Office?

Confidentiality of the international preliminary examination

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The IB and the EPO as IPEA may not allow access to the file of the international preliminary examination to third parties without authorisation by the applicant. Upon expiry of 30 months from the priority date, the IB sends, on request, a copy of the IPRP Chapter II to each elected Office. As from the same date, the IB also furnishes copies of the IPRP Chapter II on behalf of the EPO as IPEA.

Art. 36(3), 38 PCT

R. 73.2, 94 PCT

OJ 2003, 382

OJ 1999, 329

WIPO PCT Guide 474 - 476

Furthermore, after completion of the IPRP Chapter II the EPO as elected Office allows access to the file of the international preliminary examination.