Before April 1, 2017, if there was a finding of lack of unity at the search stage, applicants would receive the written opinion on patentability (WO-ISA) only together with the "final" international search report (Rule 43bis.1). Since this date, the EPO sends a provisional opinion on the patentability of the invention (or group of inventions) first mentioned in the claims together with the invitation to pay further/additional fees and the partial search results (Form PCT/ISA/206) in a new EPO form (EPO Form 1707). EPO Form 1707 is made available to the public via online file inspection. It has, however, to be noted that the provisional opinion is provided for information only; no comments addressing the points raised in the provisional opinion should be filed by the applicant, and, if nevertheless filed, such comments are not taken into account by the examiner when completing the written opinion. Any amendments under Article 19, informal written comments, amendments and/or arguments under Article 34, and replies under EPC Rule 161 should therefore continue to be submitted after the "final" international search report and WOISA. This additional service not only covers search products issued by the EPO in the international phase but also applies to the searches carried out in the regional phase for both Euro-direct and Euro-PCT applications. The Working Group is invited to take note of the contents of the present document. [End of document]
Before April 1, 2017, if there was a finding of lack of unity at the search stage, applicants would receive the written opinion on patentability (WO-ISA) only together with the "final" international search report (Rule 43bis.1). Since this date, the EPO sends a provisional opinion on the patentability of the invention (or group of inventions) first mentioned in the claims together with the invitation to pay further/additional fees and the partial search results (Form PCT/ISA/206) in a new EPO form (EPO Form 1707). EPO Form 1707 is made available to the public via online file inspection. It has, however, to be noted that the provisional opinion is provided for information only; no comments addressing the points raised in the provisional opinion should be filed by the applicant, and, if nevertheless filed, such comments are not taken into account by the examiner when completing the written opinion. Any amendments under Article 19, informal written comments, amendments and/or arguments under Article 34, and replies under EPC Rule 161 should therefore continue to be submitted after the "final" international search report and WOISA. This additional service not only covers search products issued by the EPO in the international phase but also applies to the searches carried out in the regional phase for both Euro-direct and Euro-PCT applications. The Working Group is invited to take note of the contents of the present document. [End of document]
pct_wg_10_14.docx