PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines
PART IV THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCH
Chapter 15 The International Search
Preparation of the International Search Report
15.73 Finally, the examiner should prepare the international search report and the written opinion (see Chapters 16 and 17).
Amended International Search Reports
15.74 It may happen occasionally that, after completion of an international search report, the International Searching Authority discovers further relevant documents (for example, in a later search for a related application). These should be added to the international search report up to the time of completion of the technical preparations for its publication by the International Bureau. An amended international search report should be sent to the applicant and to the International Bureau promptly. Thereafter, if within two years from the priority date of the international application the International Searching Authority should become aware of any particularly relevant document, it should amend the international search report and mark the report clearly as “amended.” The International Searching Authority should then send a copy of the amended report to the applicant and another copy to the International Bureau for subsequent communication to the designated Offices and the International Preliminary Examining Authority.
Receipt of Misdirected Article 19 Amendments
15.75 Where the International Searching Authority, after transmittal of the international search report, receives from the applicant by mistake amendments to the claims under Article 19, it should transmit them promptly to the International Bureau, with which they should have been filed, and inform the applicant accordingly.