PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines

PART II THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

Chapter 7 Classification of International Applications

Amended Classification in the Case of Later Published International Search Report

7.05  In case the international search report is not available in time for publication with the international application, and therefore is published separately, and the examiner finds it necessary to amend the original classification for the reasons given in paragraph 7.04, he includes the amended classification in the international search report, indicating, by adding the word “amended,” that it replaces the one published on the international application. Such amendment of the classification should not be made unless the examiner is quite certain that it is necessary.