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This guide for applicants is aimed at those interested in pursuing the procedure under the PCT and focuses on elements specific to the PCT procedure before the EPO. It is referred to as the "Euro-PCT Guide" to distinguish it from the PCT Applicant's Guide published by WIPO ("WIPO PCT Guide").
Several changes have been made to the latest edition of the Guide in the yearly update.
This product is no longer available in printed format. To access the HTML version or download the PDF version, you can use links under “Additional information” below.
International phase and entry into the European phase (Guide for applicants)
The Euro-PCT Guide is of a summary nature. It gives an overview of the procedures under the PCT before the EPO, including entry into the European phase before the EPO as designated/elected Office. The information it provides is not to be considered complete, nor is it intended to replace relevant WIPO publications and EPO decisions and notices concerning specific issues.
The Euro-PCT Guide is based on the information available on 1 January 2022. Any changes to the PCT procedures before the EPO after that date are not reflected in the information provided here. Therefore, in using this Guide, applicants should always verify in particular whether any relevant changes to the procedures have entered into force since 1 January 2022.
Although the information in the Guide is not exhaustive, it aims to cover all the points to note when the EPO acts in its capacity as:
- a receiving Office (RO),
- an International Searching Authority (ISA),
- a Supplementary International Searching Authority (SISA),
- an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), and/or
- a designated or elected Office.
Any comments on the Euro-PCT Guide may be addressed by email to Department 5.2.2.1, PCT Affairs (international_pct_affairs@epo.org).