Which delays in meeting time limits may be excused as regards international applications?
Rule 82quater.1 PCT applies to all time limits fixed in the PCT Regulations for performing an action before the European Patent Office as receiving Office, International Searching Authority, Authority specified for supplementary search, International Preliminary Examining Authority. This does not include the priority period, which is fixed in the Paris Convention. However, PCT applicants may file a request for restoration of the priority right under Rule 26bis.3 PCT. Without prejudice to a request for restoration of the priority right, the period for claiming priority can only be extended under Rules 80.5 and 2.4(b) PCT if the last day of the priority year falls on a non-working day, an official holiday or a day on which the EPO is not open to the public or ordinary mail is not delivered.