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

I.

General

Aim of the international preliminary examination

Usefulness of PCT Chapter II

Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) based on an IPER established by the EPO as IPEA

Competence of the EPO as an IPEA

Who may file a demand for international preliminary examination with the EPO?

How and where is the demand for international preliminary examination to be filed?

When should the demand for international preliminary examination be filed with the EPO?

Start of the international preliminary examination

Delaying of national phase until expiry of 30 months

Time limit for establishing the IPER

Translation of the international application

Language of the demand

Which states may be elected?

Defects in the demand and how they can be corrected