2.10 Inspection of files 

In its capacity as a designated Office, the EPO also allows access to its files pertaining to the international phase of applications, provided that international publication has taken place. The above applies mutatis mutandis to the communication of information from the files.

In its capacity as elected Office the EPO allows access to its files (including the entire PCT Chapter II file) relating to the international phase of applications filed on or after 1 July 1998, provided international publication has taken place and, as far as the PCT Chapter II file is concerned, the IPER has been completed.

The above applies mutatis mutandis to the communication of information from the files (see A‑XI, 2 and A‑XI, 3).