Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

Article 32
The International Preliminary Examining Authority

(1)  International preliminary examination shall be carried out by the International Preliminary Examining Authority.

(2)  In the case of demands referred to in Article 31(2)(a), the receiving Office, and, in the case of demands referred to in Article 31(2)(b), the Assembly, shall, in accordance with the applicable agreement between the interested International Preliminary Examining Authority or Authorities and the International Bureau, specify the International Preliminary Examining Authority or Authorities competent for the preliminary examination.

(3)  The provisions of Article 16(3) shall apply, mutatis mutandis, in respect of International Preliminary Examining Authorities.