PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines

PART VII QUALITY

Chapter 21 Common Quality Framework for International Search and Preliminary Examination

5. Quality Assurance

21.17 In accordance with these Guidelines, each Authority shall have procedures regarding timely issue of search and examination reports of a high quality. Such procedures shall include:

(i) an effective internal quality assurance system for self-assessment, involving verification and validation and monitoring of searches and examination work for compliance with these Search and Examination Guidelines and channeling feedback to staff;

(ii) an effective system of measurement and collection of data and reporting, and commitment to using it to ensure the continuous improvement of the established processes: and

(iii) a system for verifying the effectiveness of actions taken to address deficiencies and to prevent issues from recurring.

Such procedures may also include the use of checklists, either to verify the quality of search and examination reports in accordance with these Guidelines before those reports are issued and/or to monitor the quality as part of a post-issue review process.