6. The search opinion where the search was limited 

Any arguments and objections set out in the search opinion must be consistent with how and why the search was limited. This applies to limitations for reasons of non-patentability (e.g. business methods – Art. 52(2)(c), see B‑VIII, 1), for reasons of severe deficiencies preventing a meaningful search (Rule 63, see B‑VIII, 3) or due to a contravention of Rule 43(2) (Rule 62a, see B‑VIII, 4). In these cases, the search opinion will also contain the information mentioned in B‑VIII, 3.3 and B-VIII, 4.3.

Where claims were not searched because the applicant had not paid the claims fees for them and so they were deemed abandoned (Rule 45 or Rule 162), this will be pointed out to the applicant in the search opinion.