If the search for the international application is based entirely or partly on an earlier search report already prepared by the EPO on an application whose priority is validly claimed (Box No. VI of the PCT request form), the applicant may obtain a refund of the international search fee. The EPO acting as ISA decides whether the requirements are met and, where applicable, refunds the applicable amount (see point 217). Where priority is claimed from an application for which the EPO carried out a search, the continuation section of Box No. VII in the PCT request does not need to be filled in.