2.2 Content of the application as "originally" filed – general rules
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  10. 2.2.2.2 Review by the examiner
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2.2.2 Incorporating missing or correct parts or elements completely contained in the priority document

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2.2.2.2 Review by the examiner 

If the missing or correct part(s) and/or element(s) was (were) indeed completely contained in the priority document, the examiner will treat the file as having the filing date accorded by the RO. The examiner will proceed in the same way where unable to check whether the missing or correct part(s) and/or element(s) was (were) indeed completely contained in the priority document because, at the time of the search or the preliminary examination, the priority document(s) or any other document needed (i.e. the subsequently filed sheet(s) embodying the missing or correct part(s)/element(s) or the translation of the priority document) is (are) not available to the ISA or IPEA. If the documents needed for the check are not available, this will be indicated in the WO‑ISA/IPER, in Section I of the separate sheet.

If the missing or correct part(s) and/or element(s) was (were) not completely contained in the priority document, the decision on the filing date made by the RO is still valid for the international phase. However, the examiner will indicate in the WO‑ISA/IPER in Section I of the separate sheet that there are doubts as to whether the missing or correct part(s) and/or element(s) was (were) actually completely contained in the priority document. The search report and the WO‑ISA or the IPER, as applicable, will also include documents which would be relevant if the application were to be redated (see GL/PCT‑EPO B‑III, 2.3.3).

Rule 20.5(a)(ii)
Rule 20.5(d)
Rule 20.5bis(a)(ii)
Rule 20.5bis(d)
OJ EPO 2020, A81
GL/ISPE 15.11

If the receiving Office has granted a request for incorporation by reference of a missing element or part, or of a correct element or part, under Rules 4.18 PCT, Rule 20.5(d) PCT, Rule 20.6 PCT and/or Rule 20.5bis(d) PCT but the EPO as IPEA does not consider that element or part to be completely contained in the priority application, it will indicate this in the IPER.

A review of the decision by the RO can only take place in the regional phase (Rule 82ter.1(b)).

Rules 4.18, Rule 20.5(d), Rule 20.5bis(d), Rule 20.6

OJ EPO 2020, A81

OJ EPO 2022, A71

After entry into the regional phase before the EPO (Euro-PCT phase) the applicant can withdraw the subsequently filed missing or correct parts and/or correct elements in order to avoid the redating of the application. In this case, it should be noted that amendments which are acceptable under the less strict criterion of Art. 123(2) EPC can always be filed during the Euro-PCT phase.

Rule 82ter.1(d)

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