PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines

PART VIII  CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Chapter 22 Clerical and Administrative Procedures

Establishing the International Preliminary Examining Authority File

22.16  The International Preliminary Examining Authority, promptly upon receipt of the demand, establishes the file.

Section 605

22.17  Where the International Preliminary Examining Authority is part of the same national Office or intergovernmental organization as the International Searching Authority, the same file serves the purposes of international search and international preliminary examination.

22.18  Where the International Preliminary Examining Authority is not part of the same national Office or intergovernmental organization as the International Searching Authority or receiving Office in which the application was filed, the International Bureau will provide a copy of the international application or, where already published, a copy of the published international application, together with a copy of the international search report, when available, to the International Preliminary Examining Authority upon request. This is necessary in order for that Authority to process the demand and conduct international preliminary examination. If the international search report is not yet available, the International Bureau will send a copy of it promptly upon receipt thereof. The documents cited in the international search report can be collected from the International Preliminary Examining Authority’s own search files or ordered from the International Searching Authority. Upon receipt of the demand or a copy thereof, the International Bureau will promptly transmit to that Authority, a copy of the written opinion established by the International Searching Authority.

22.19  A copy of any amendments under Article 19 and of any accompanying statement will be supplied by the International Bureau to the International Preliminary Examining Authority unless a copy has been submitted with the demand by the applicant or the applicant has reversed them (see paragraphs 18.04 and 18.06).