2.7 How does an international application reach the International Searching Authority (ISA) and the International Bureau (IB)? 

2.7.001One copy of the international application is kept by the receiving Office ("home copy"), one copy ("record copy") is transmitted to the IB, and another copy ("search copy") is transmitted to the competent ISA. 

2.7.002The record copy is the copy of the international application transmitted to the IB by the receiving Office for publication purposes. It is transmitted promptly after an international filing date has been accorded; the EPO as receiving Office transmits it electronically. This record copy is kept in the IB's records and considered the true copy of the international application. It consists of the application documents and accompanying items filed on the international filing date. It must be transmitted even if the international application is considered withdrawn by the receiving Office or has been withdrawn by the applicant. In this case, the notice effecting withdrawal must also be transmitted.

2.7.003The search copy is the copy of the international application that is transmitted to the competent ISA by the receiving Office for the purposes of performing the international search once the search fee has been paid. It is kept in the competent ISA's records.