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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
Accelerated prosecution of applications - the "PACE" programme
Combined PACE request and waiver of Rule 161 EPC/Rule 162 EPC communication
Combined PACE request and waiver of Rule 161/162 communication
442
If a PACE request has been filed, the EPO will also have to respect the six-month time limit provided for in Rules 161 and 162 EPC and will therefore not be able to start supplementary European search or examination before expiry of that time limit (see point 479). For this reason an applicant interested in acceleration of the procedure may consider waiving his right to the Rule 161/162 communication. The procedure to follow is set out below (see point 485).
OJ 2011, 354