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

An applicant who is of the opinion that the EPO can base its search entirely or partly on an earlier search report already prepared by the EPO on an application whose priority is validly claimed (Box No. VI of the PCT request form) may obtain a refund of the international search fee paid. The EPO acting as ISA decides whether the requirements are met and, where applicable, refunds the applicable amount (see point 213). Where priority is claimed from an application for which the EPO carried out a search, the continuation section of Box No. VII in the PCT request does not need to be filled out.