2.1 Language for the purpose of the international search 

For the purpose of the international search by the EPO as International Searching Authority, the international application must be in one of its three official languages, i.e. English, French or German. Where the international application is filed in a different language, the applicant must file a translation with the receiving Office into one of the EPO three official languages. This translation must be furnished within one month of the date of receipt of the international application by the receiving Office.

If the application was not filed in a PCT language of publication, the language of the translation submitted for the purpose of the procedure before the EPO as ISA determines the language in which the international application is published. In any case where the language of the international publication is an official language of the EPO, that language will be the language of the proceedings in the European phase and cannot be changed. Therefore, applicants should choose with care the language in which they submit a translation for the purpose of international search.

For international applications filed in Dutch see GL/PCT‑EPO B‑XI, 2.2.