Under PCT Direct, an applicant filing an international application claiming priority from an earlier national, European or international application already searched by the EPO (i.e. a "doublure"; see GL/PCT‑EPO B‑IV, 1.1) is able to react to any objections raised in the search opinion drawn up for the priority application. This simplifies the assessment of the international application and adds to the value of the international search report and written opinion established by the EPO.[OJ EPO 2017, A21; ]
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelinespct/e/b_iv_1_2.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021