New/updated PCT Resources
Applicability of 90% reduction in certain PCT fees
The table showing the applicability of the 90% reduction in certain PCT fees has been updated with effect from 1 January 2025 and is available at:
http://www.wipo.int/pct/en/fees/fee_reduction.pdf
Note that the table showing the status prior to 1 January 2025 will continue to be available, in parallel, for a few months.
Materials for the European Qualifying Examination
In order to assist candidates in the preparation of materials for the European Qualifying Examination (EQE) for prospective European patent attorneys or for the European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC) for patent administrators, the International Bureau, with the agreement of the Examination Board for the EQE and the EPAC Board, has made available on the PCT website a special edition of the PCT Applicant’s Guide containing individual annexes and the introductions to the “International Phase” and the “National Phase” in both English and French, as of 31 October 2024. It is recalled that the PDF files have been replaced by a searchable and comprehensive application that will be available for the EQE.
The application is available at:
https://pctlegal.wipo.int/eGuide/eqe/documents.xhtml
PCT International Authorities quality reports
It is recalled that the International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authorities submit annual reports on the quality management systems that have been implemented for their work as International Authorities1. The reports for 2023 are now available at:
https://www.wipo.int/pct/en/quality/authorities.html
Enhancement of the PCT Applicant’s Guide
In order to improve the readability of the various Annexes of the PCT Applicant’s Guide and optimize the overall experience of users, the endnotes and related information in all Annexes have been integrated into the main body of the text of each Annex for all Contracting States and Offices.
This new format aims to improve data presentation and increase navigation efficiency making it easier to access relevant content. Additionally, changes and updates that are usually highlighted in blue in the Annexes and digest functionality, will now also apply to all integrated information (for more details on change highlighting in the eGuide, please refer to the ‘Practical Advice’ in PCT Newsletter No. 09/2023).
We highly value your feedback and encourage all PCT users and Offices to share comments and suggestions with us at the following address: pct.guide@wipo.int. Your input is essential in helping us continually improve and provide the highest level of service.
- In accordance with the PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines, paragraphs 21.31 and 21.32.