PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines
PART II THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION
Multiple Dependent Claims
A5.16 The International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authorities have divergent practices with regard to the treatment of multiple dependent claims. Either of the alternative guidelines below may be relied upon by an International Authority as appropriate.
A5.16[1] A dependent claim which refers to more than one other claim should refer to them only alternatively. Multiple dependent claims cannot form a basis for other multiple dependent claims.
A5.16[2] A dependent claim which refers to more than one other claim may refer to them either alternatively or cumulatively. Multiple dependent claims may form a basis for other multiple dependent claims.