PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines

PART II THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

Chapter 8  Rule 91 – Obvious Mistakes in Documents

Effective Date of Rectification

Rule 91.3(c)

8.24  Where the rectification of an obvious mistake has been authorized, it is effective:

(i) in the case of a mistake in the international application as filed: from the international filing date;

(ii) in the case of a mistake in a document other than the international application as filed, including a mistake in a correction or an amendment of the international application: from the date on which the document was submitted.

Thus, the rectification of an obvious mistake in the international application as filed is effective from the international filing date (that is, not from the date on which the rectification is proposed) and the rectification of a mistake in another document is effective from the date on which the document concerned was submitted (that is, not from the date on which the rectification was proposed).