1840.01 The European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority [R-10.2019]

Since October 1, 1982, the European Patent Office (EPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office. The original announcement appeared in the Official Gazette at 1022 OG 52 on September 28, 1982. An announcement modifying the original arrangement with the EPO appeared in the Official Gazette at 1412 OG 61 on March 10, 2015.

For any limitations or restrictions with the EPO as an ISA, please refer to the PCT Information section of the Official Gazette found on the USPTO’s website (www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ official-gazette).

For additional information, e.g., subject matter limitations, additional search fees, cited documents, etc., please refer to Annex D of the PCT Applicant’s Guide found on WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/guide/index.html).