Early entry into the European phase
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166
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An applicant can at any time request the EPO as designated or elected Office to commence processing the Euro-PCT application before expiry of the 31-month time limit. To this extent, the applicant must, in addition to filing an express request for early processing, complete the steps for entry into the European phase listed below (see point 172 ff). | |
Art. 23(2), 40(2) PCT
OJ 2001, 587 (point 5)
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167
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If the EPO acts as designated Office and the IB has not yet transmitted a copy of the international application, the ISR and the WO-ISA, the applicant must file with the IB a request under Rules 47.4 and 44bis PCT to do so. | |
Art. 20 PCT
R. 44.bis.2(b), 47.4 PCT
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168
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If the EPO acts as an elected Office and the IB has not yet transmitted a copy of the international application, the ISR, the WO-ISA and the IPRP Chapter II with its annexes, the applicant must file with the IB a request under Rules 61.2 and 73.2 PCT to do so. | |
Art. 36(3)(a) PCT
R. 61.2(d), 73.2(b) PCT
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169
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The EPO will begin processing as soon as all requirements are met. |
