The definitive content of the abstract is the responsibility of the EPO (see F‑II, 2). In practice this responsibility lies with the search division, since the definitive content of the abstract must be determined and transmitted to the applicant along with the search report. Where it is confirmed by the search division that the abstract filed does not relate to the claimed invention, the applicant is informed that the document filed does not constitute an abstract and is invited to correct the deficiency (see A‑III, 16).[Rule 66; ]
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelines/e/a_iii_10_2.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021