Guide for Applicants - Part 2 - Table of Contents E. Euro-PCT procedure before the EPO as a designated (PCT Chapter I) or elected (PCT Chapter II)... I. General

Before the end of the international phase the applicant must decide whether and where he wants to proceed with the application in the national/regional phase. If the applicant decides to enter into the European phase he must in due time (see point 157) take the required steps (see points 171 ff) to initiate the procedure before the EPO as designated or elected Office.

 When is the EPO a designated or elected Office?

 Time limit for entry into the European phase

 When can the EPO act as designated Office?

 When can the EPO act as elected Office?

 When must the applicant decide on the scope of protection of the European patent?

 When must the European phase be initiated before the EPO as designated or elected Office?

 Early entry into the European phase

 Accelerated prosecution of applications - the PACE programme