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

The IB and the ISA will not, unless authorised by the applicant, allow anyone access to the WO-ISA before the expiry of 30 months from the priority date. After that date the EPO as designated Office will grant access to the WO-ISA. If the application is the subject of international preliminary examination by the EPO as IPEA, the WO-ISA established by the EPO as ISA will be considered a first written opinion for the purposes of the procedure under Chapter II PCT and may as such become public as part of the Chapter II PCT file even before expiry of the 30-month time limit (see point 403).