1.2.1 Relationship between the PCT‑EPO Guidelines and the RO Guidelines

The RO Guidelines are intended to assist receiving Offices in carrying out the duties entrusted to them under the PCT and provide them with reference material that can help them in processing international applications under the PCT. However, the RO Guidelines do not cover all possible procedures that may be in place at a receiving Office, and not all tasks referred to need to be performed for every international application. The PCT‑EPO Guidelines provide details on the procedure followed and criteria applied by the EPO as receiving Office, including details on specific cases.