Under the PCT, the EPO, as an International Searching Authority, may be entrusted to carry out "international-type searches" for national patent applications (Art. 15(5) PCT). These searches are by definition similar to international searches, and the same considerations apply, except where unity of invention is lacking; the procedure is then brought into line with the European procedure. This means that in case of a lack of unity in a national application subject to an international-type search, the reasons for the lack of unity are not given and a written opinion of the International Searching Authority will not be issued (Rule 43bis PCT).