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PCT International Search and Preliminary Examination Guidelines

 as in force from July 1, 2022

TABLE OF CONTENTS

PART I: INTRODUCTION AND OVERVIEW

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Overview of the International Search Stage

Chapter 3 Overview of the International Preliminary Examination Stage

PART II THE INTERNATIONAL APPLICATION

Chapter 4 Content of the International Application (Other Than the Claims)

Appendix to Chapter 4

Chapter 5 Claims

Appendix to Chapter 5

Chapter 6 Priority

Chapter 7 Classification of International Applications

Chapter 8 Rule 91 – Obvious Mistakes in Documents 

PART III EXAMINER CONSIDERATIONS COMMON TO BOTH THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCHING AUTHORITY AND THE INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY EXAMINING AUTHORITY

Chapter 9 Exclusions from, and Limitations of, International Search and International Preliminary Examination

Appendix to Chapter 9

Chapter 10 Unity of Invention

Chapter 11 Prior Art 

Chapter 12 Novelty 

Appendix to Chapter 12

Chapter 13 Inventive step 

Appendix to Chapter 13

Chapter 14 Industrial Applicability 

Appendix to Chapter 14

PART IV THE INTERNATIONAL SEARCH

Chapter 15 The International Search 

Chapter 16 International Search Report 

PART V WRITTEN OPINION/INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION REPORT

Chapter 17 Content of Written Opinions and the International Preliminary Examination Report 

PART VI THE INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY EXAMINATION STAGE (OTHER THAN THE INTERNATIONAL PRELIMINARY REPORT)

Chapter 18  Preliminary Procedure on Receipt of the Demand

Chapter 19  Examination Procedure Before The International Preliminary Examining Authority 

Chapter 20 Amendments

Appendix to Chapter 20

PART VII QUALITY

Chapter 21 Common Quality Framework for International Search and Preliminary Examination

PART VIII CLERICAL AND ADMINISTRATIVE PROCEDURES

Chapter 22 Clerical and Administrative Procedures