PCT Receiving Office Guidelines

Chapter XI: Fees

Notification to the International Bureau and the International Searching Authority of Receipt of Fees

258A. Promptly on confirmation that the fee has been paid in full (including the case where overpayment has been made), the receiving Office notifies the International Bureau and the International Searching Authority that the filing fee and search fee have been paid (Rule 96.2(b)). While notification of the search fee is only required where the International Searching Authority is not the same Office as the receiving Office, it is nevertheless preferred in all cases. Where the Office is participating in the WIPO Fee Transfer Service for the purpose of the search fee, the International Bureau will forward the notification to the International Searching Authority. Where the search copy is sent using eSearchCopy, the mechanisms in that service are sufficient to confirm the payment of fees.