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Further COVID-19-related extension of RO/IB time limit (June 30, 2020) for considering PCT applications as withdrawn for failure to pay fees

May 27, 2020

The International Bureau, in its role as Receiving Office, will defer the issuance of notifications declaring international applications as considered withdrawn for having failed to pay the appropriate fees within the prescribed time limit (Form PCT/RO/117) until June 30, 2020.


This extension follows the April 9, 2020 announcement of the International Bureau of WIPO of  recommendations and practice changes in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic (https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/news/2020/news_0009.html).


The International Bureau encourages other PCT receiving Offices to do likewise if they consider that doing so would be appropriate taking into account the COVID-19 situation in their localities.

[Signed by Francis Gurry
Director General
May 25, 2020]

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