PCT Receiving Office Guidelines

Chapter VIII: Missing Parts or Erroneously Filed Elements or Parts in the International Application

Processing of Later Received Sheets

199. Where the receiving Office receives sheets pertaining to an international application after the date on which one or more elements referred to in Article 11(1)(iii) were first received, following an invitation under Rule 20.5(a) or 20.5bis(a) or without such invitation, the receiving Office determines whether these sheets are furnished to complete or correct the international application or whether the applicant intends to confirm the incorporation by reference of those sheets in accordance with Rule 20.6(a). The option of incorporation by reference is not available if the receiving Office has notified the International Bureau of an incompatibility with its national law under Rule 20.8(a) or (a-bis).