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Guide for applicants, Part 2: PCT procedure before the EPO (Euro-PCT Guide)

 
 
Table of Contents - Guide for applicants, Part 2: PCT procedure before the EPO (Euro-PCT Guide)
A. General overview
Euro-PCT application
Euro-PCT application
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An international application for which the EPO is a designated Office (see point 30) and which has been accorded an international filing date has - as from that date - the effect of a regular European application (Euro-direct application). Such an international application, being equivalent to a regular European patent application, is referred to as a "Euro-PCT application".
Art. 11(3), 45(1) PCT
Art. 153(2) EPC
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Each international application for which the EPO is designated Office is (also) given a European application number. This number is notified to the applicant in a communication informing the applicant of the requirements for entry into the European phase (EPO Form 1201), which, as a rule, is issued ten months after international publication of the application.
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Annex II contains a chart illustrating the various stages of a Euro-PCT application with the most important time limits.