Regulations under the PCT

Rule 54bis
Time Limit for Making a Demand

54bis.1       Time Limit for Making a Demand

(a)  A demand may be made at any time prior to the expiration of whichever of the following periods expires later:

(i) three months from the date of transmittal to the applicant of the international search report or the declaration referred to in Article 17(2)(a), and of the written opinion established under Rule 43bis.1; or

(ii) 22 months from the priority date.

(b)  Any demand made after the expiration of the time limit applicable under paragraph (a) shall be considered as if it had not been submitted and the International Preliminary Examining Authority shall so declare.