The time limit for the reply to the first written opinion issued by the EPO as IPEA is usually two months but may be extended to a maximum of three months at the applicant's request. Such a request must be filed before expiry of the two-month time limit set. An extension will only be granted if the extended time limit does not expire later than 25 months from the priority date. An extension of the time limit may also be requested if the WO-ISA is considered to be the first written opinion of the EPO as IPEA (see point 4.2.016). The time limit for the reply to the second written opinion or, as the case may be, to the invitation accompanying the minutes of a telephone consultation is normally two months and not shorter than one month unless the applicant has agreed to a shorter time limit.