Upon creation of a European search report, a European search opinion or a clarification request under Rule 62a and/or Rule 63(1), a pre-search algorithm generating a list of documents to be inspected by the search division is triggered. This creates a marker which serves as evidence in the file that the search division has started the search. The date of the start of the search is relevant for a possible refund of the search fee in case the application is withdrawn, refused or deemed to be withdrawn (see A‑X, 10.2.1).

1.1 Analysis of the application

1.2 Formal deficiencies

1.3 Documents cited or supplied by the applicant