PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines
PART I INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW
Chapter 2 Overview of the International Search Stage
Further Processing of the International Search Report and Written Opinion
Confidential Treatment
2.16 Prior to the international publication of the international application, all matter pertaining to the application is confidential and may not, without the request or authorization of the applicant, be accessed by any person or authority, except for the transmissions of information specifically required by the Treaty and Regulations for the purposes of processing the application.
If early processing is requested, the designated or elected Office may allow access to any documents which have been communicated to it to the extent provided by its national law, provided that the international application has been published.