What advantages can I expect in the European phase if I have selected the EPO as ISA?

If you have selected the EPO as ISA, whether under a pilot or otherwise, you will have the following advantages:

Firstly, where the EPO has already drawn up the international search report as ISA, the supplementary European search report (Article 153(7) EPC) is dispensed with and so you will not need to pay a European search fee on entry into the European phase.

Secondly, if you chose to file a demand for international preliminary examination under PCT Chapter II, with the EPO acting as IPEA, the examination fee payable on entry into the European phase will be reduced by 75%.

Thirdly, where the EPO acts as ISA, the international application will have been filed in, or translated into, one of the EPO’s official languages (English, German or French). A translation will, hence, not be necessary upon entry into the European phase. The proceedings before the EPO as designated or elected Office will simply continue in the language in which the application was searched and published. For the CNIPA pilot, but also for the IPA pilot, the international application must be filed in English.