Administrative Instructions under the Patent Cooperation Treaty

Section 607
Rectifications of Obvious Mistakes under Rule 91

(a)  Where the International Preliminary Examining Authority authorizes a rectification of an obvious mistake under Rule 91, it shall:

 (i)  indelibly mark, in the upper right-hand corner of each replacement sheet, the international application number and the date on which that sheet was received;

(ii)  indelibly mark, in the middle of the bottom margin of each replacement sheet, the words “RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91)” or their equivalent in the language of the demand as well as an indication of the International Preliminary Examining Authority as provided for in Section 107(b);

(iii)  indelibly mark on the letter containing the rectification or accompanying any replacement sheet the date on which that letter was received;

(iv)  keep in its files a copy of the letter containing the rectification or, when the rectification is contained in a replacement sheet, the replaced sheet, a copy of the letter accompanying the replacement sheet and a copy of the replacement sheet;

(v)  annex to the copy of the international preliminary examination report which is transmitted to the International Bureau any replacement sheet and any letter as provided for under Rule 70.16;

(vi)  annex to the copy of the international preliminary examination report which is transmitted to the applicant a copy of each replacement sheet and any letter as provided for under Rule 70.16.

(b)  Where the rectification of an obvious mistake is not taken into account by the International Preliminary Examining Authority pursuant to Rule 66.4bis, and the Authority so indicates in the international preliminary examination report in accordance with Rule 70.2(e), it shall proceed as indicated under paragraph (a), provided that the words “RECTIFIED SHEET (RULE 91) – NOT CONSIDERED FOR REPORT (RULE 66.4bis)” shall be used when marking in accordance with paragraph (a)(ii).

(c)  Where the rectification of an obvious mistake is not taken into account by the International Preliminary Examining Authority pursuant to Rule 66.4bis, and the Authority is not able to so indicate in the international preliminary examination report in accordance with the second sentence of Rule 70.2(e), it shall proceed as indicated under paragraph (a)(i) to (iv) and forward any replacement sheet and any letter containing the rectification or accompanying any replacement sheet to the International Bureau. The International Bureau will promptly notify the elected Offices accordingly.