PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines

PART IV THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCH

Chapter 16 International Search Report

Time Limit for Establishing the International Search Report

16.05 The international search must be carried out in time to allow the final establishment of the international search report or of a declaration under Article 17(2) (see paragraph 9.40) before the expiration of three months from the receipt of the search copy by the International Searching Authority, which is notified to the applicant on Form PCT/ISA/202, or nine months from the priority date, whichever time limit expires later. If, in case of lack of unity of invention or of an invitation to file a sequence listing, the time limit cannot be met, the international search report is established promptly after the receipt of additional search fees or after the expiration of the time limit for payment of such fees, if no such payment is made, or after the receipt of the sequence listing.