1.2 Position of the examining division 

The examining division will consider any objections raised in the search opinion and the applicant's response to them (see B‑XI, 8) when examining the application. It may change the position taken in the search opinion after receiving arguments, amendments and other submissions from the applicant in response to the search opinion or subsequently in examination proceedings. Irrespective of any such submissions, it may also alter the position if it finds Art. 54(3) state of the art when carrying out a top-up search or if it is made aware of additional state of the art either by the applicant or in observations filed by third parties under Art. 115 (see also B‑IV, 3.2, C‑IV, 7.3 and C-IV, 7.4).

The examining division can also reverse the findings in the search opinion for other reasons (see B‑III, 1.1), but this is rare.