1. General

The formalities examination at the start of processing in the European phase encompasses all checks required to verify whether both the minimum and the further requirements have been met (A‑XII, 4.2). If the EPO establishes any error either during or after this formalities examination, it will inform the applicant accordingly. As a rule, it is up to the applicant to request a correction, but there are a few cases in which the EPO will correct an error of its own motion (A‑XV, 1.1).