The 10th edition of the “Euro-PCT Guide: PCT procedure at the EPO” is now available in PDF

International phase and entry into the European phase (Guide for applicants)

10th edition, January 2017

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”).

Content description

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 2017. 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 2017.

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 to Directorate 5.2.2.1, PCT Affairs.

Available formats and amendments

The PDF file (3.1 MB) reflects the printed edition of the Euro-PCT Guide and is based on the information available on 1 January 2017.

The HTML version is currently not available.

A printed version of the Euro-PCT Guide is also available (see the following section for how to order it).