The extent of the search as well as the reasons for the restriction will in many cases only be indicated in the WO‑ISA. See GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3.5, for details of whether an indication under Art. 17 should be made in the ISR or only in the WO‑ISA. The opinion given is then normally restricted to what has actually been searched.
Any argumentation and objections presented in the written opinion must be consistent with the restrictions of the search and the reasons therefor. See also GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 2, GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3, and GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3.1.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelinespct/e/b_xi_6.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021
9 references found.
Click X to load a reference inside the current page, click on the title to open in a new page.EPO PCT GL - B Search
XGL-PCT B VIII 3.1 Examples of impossibility to perform a meaningful search over the whole of the claimed scope
XGL-PCT B VIII 3.5 The content of the WO‑ISA after an invitation for informal clarification and/or in case of a restriction of the search
EPO PCT GL - C Procedureal Aspects Chapter II
XGL-PCT C IV 4.1 Submissions prompted by a restriction of the search or a declaration that no search is possible