EUROPEAN PATENT CONVENTION - Table of Contents Implementing Regulations to the Convention on the Grant of European Patents PART IV - IMPLEMENTING REGULATIONS TO PART IV OF THE CONVENTION Chapter I - Examination by the Receiving Section   Rule 57 - Examination as to formal requirements

Rule 57 Examination as to formal requirements

Art. 87, 88, 90, 123 R. 45, 55-60, 111-113, 138, 139, 142, 152

If the European patent application has been accorded a date of filing, the European Patent Office shall examine, in accordance with Article 90, paragraph 3, whether:

(a) a translation of the application required under Article 14, paragraph 2, or under Rule 40, paragraph 3, second sentence, has been filed in due time;

(b) the request for grant of a European patent satisfies the requirements of Rule 41;

(c) the application contains one or more claims in accordance with Article 78, paragraph 1(c), or a reference to a previously filed application in accordance with Rule 40, paragraphs 1(c), 2 and 3, indicating that it replaces also the claims;

(d) the application contains an abstract in accordance with Article 78, paragraph 1(e);

(e) the filing fee and the search fee have been paid in accordance with Rule 17, paragraph 2, Rule 36, paragraph 3, or Rule 38;

(f) the designation of the inventor has been made in accordance with Rule 19, paragraph 1;

(g) where appropriate, the requirements laid down in Rules 52 and 53 concerning the claim to priority have been satisfied;

(h) where appropriate, the requirements of Article 133, paragraph 2, have been satisfied;

(i) the application meets the requirements laid down in Rule 46 and Rule 49, paragraphs 1 to 9 and 12.

(j)* the application meets the requirements laid down in Rule 30.

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* Amended by decision of the Administrative Council CA/D 4/08 of 21.10.2008 (OJ EPO 2008, 513) which entered into force on 01.04.2009.