Guidelines for Search and Examination at the EPO as PCT Authority – Table of Contents

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PCT Part F

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PCT Part F – The International Application

Overview

PCT – Part F
The International Application

Contents

Chapter II – Content of an international application (other than claims): 1.General
2.Abstract
2.1Purpose of the abstract
2.2Definitive content
2.3Content of the abstract
2.4Figure accompanying the abstract
2.5Checklist
2.6Transmittal of the abstract to the applicant
2.7Comments on the abstract by the applicant
3.The title
4.Description (formal requirements)
4.1General remarks
4.2Technical field
4.3Background art
4.3.1Format of background art citations
4.3.1.1Examples of quotation for non-patent literature
4.3.1.2Examples of quotation for patent literature
4.4Irrelevant matter
4.5Technical problem and its solution
4.6Reference in the description to drawings
4.7Reference signs
4.8Industrial applicability
4.9Manner and order of presentation
4.10Terminology
4.11Computer programs
4.12Physical values, units
4.13Registered trademarks
5.Drawings
5.1Form and content of the drawings
5.2Photographs
6.Nucleotide and amino acid sequence listings
6.1Reference to sequences disclosed in a database
7.Expressions, etc., not to be used
7.1Categories
7.2Expressions or drawings contrary to morality or public order
7.3Disparaging statements
7.4Irrelevant matter
7.5Omission of matter from publication
Chapter II – Annex 1Checklist for considering the abstract (see GL/PCT‑EPO F‑II, 2.5)
Chapter II – Annex 2Units recognised in international practice (see GL/PCT‑EPO F‑II, 4.12)
Chapter III – Sufficiency of disclosure: 1.Sufficiency of disclosure
2.Sufficiency vs. additional subject-matter
3.Insufficient disclosure
4.Burden of proof as regards the possibility of performing and repeating the invention
5.Cases of partially insufficient disclosure
5.1Only variants of the invention are incapable of being performed
5.2Absence of well-known details
5.3Difficulties in performing the invention
6.Inventions relating to biological material
6.1Biological material
6.2Public availability of biological material
6.3Deposit and availability of biological material
6.4Priority claim
7.Proper names, trademarks and trade names
8.Reference documents
9."Reach-through" claims
10.Sufficiency of disclosure and Rule 20.5(e) or Rule 20.5bis(e)
11.Sufficiency of disclosure and clarity
Chapter IV – Claims (Art. 6 and formal requirements): 1.General
2.Form and content of claims
2.1Technical features
2.2Two-part form
2.3Two-part form unsuitable
2.3.1Two-part form "wherever appropriate"
2.4Formulae and tables
3.Kinds of claim
3.1Categories
3.2Number of independent claims
3.3Independent and dependent claims
3.4Arrangement of claims
3.5Subject-matter of a dependent claim
3.6Alternatives in a claim
3.7Independent claims containing a reference to another claim or to features from a claim of another category
3.8Claims directed to computer-implemented inventions
3.8.1Cases where all method steps can be fully implemented by generic data processing means
3.8.2Cases where method steps require specific data processing means and/or require additional technical devices as essential features
3.8.3Cases where the invention is realised in a distributed computing environment
4.Clarity and interpretation of claims
4.1Clarity
4.2Interpretation
4.3Inconsistencies
4.4General statements, "spirit" of invention
4.5Essential features
4.5.1Objections arising from missing essential features
4.5.2Definition of essential features
4.5.3Generalisation of essential features
4.5.4Implicit features
4.5.5Examples
4.6Relative terms
4.7Terms like "about", "approximately" and "substantially"
4.8Trademarks
4.9Optional features
4.10Result to be achieved
4.11Parameters
4.12Product-by-process claim
4.12.1Product claim with process features
4.13Interpretation of expressions stating a purpose
4.14Definition by reference to use or another entity
4.15The expression "in"
4.16Use claims
4.17References to the description or drawings
4.18Reference signs
4.19Negative limitations (e.g. disclaimers)
4.20"Comprising" vs. "consisting"
4.21Functional definition of a pathological condition
4.22Broad claims
4.23Order of claims
5.Conciseness, number of claims
6.Support in description
6.1General remarks
6.2Extent of generalisation
6.3Objection of lack of support
6.4Lack of support vs. insufficient disclosure
6.5Definition in terms of function
6.6Support for dependent claims
AnnexExamples concerning essential features
Chapter V – Unity of invention: 1.Assessment of and reasoning for unity of invention
2.Lack of unity during search
3.Lack of unity during the PCT Chapter II procedure
Chapter VI – Priority: 1.The right to priority
1.1Filing date as effective date
1.2Priority date as effective date
1.3Validly claiming priority
1.4Subsequent application considered as first application
1.5Multiple priorities
2.Determining priority dates
2.1Examining the validity of a right to priority
2.2The same invention
2.3Priority claim not valid
3.Claiming priority
3.1General remarks
3.2Declaration of priority
3.3Certified copy of the previous application (priority document)
3.4Translation of the previous application
3.5Withdrawal of priority claims
3.6Correction or addition of priority claim
3.7Re‑establishment of rights in respect of the priority period

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