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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)
E. Euro-PCT procedure before the EPO as a designated (PCT Chapter I) or elected (PCT Chapter II) Office
I. General
I.
General 
405
Before the end of the international phase the applicant must decide whether and where he wants to proceed with the international application in the national/regional phase before the designated/elected Offices. 
406
If the applicant wishes to obtain a European patent he must enter what is known as "the European phase", which means that he must fulfil the requirements (see points 443 ff) for initiating the processing of his application by the EPO as designated or elected Office in due time (see point 414).
When is the EPO a designated or elected Office?
When must the applicant decide on the scope of protection sought for the European patent?
When must the European phase be initiated before the EPO as designated or elected Office?
Language of the proceedings in the European phase
How and where should the applicant initiate the procedure before the EPO as a designated/elected Office (Form 1200)?
Request for early processing
Accelerated prosecution of applications - the "PACE" programme