The scope of the search conducted by the EPO as SISA -, i.e. the documentation searched -, is the same as for any international search performedcarried out by the EPO as ISA (see point 218219).
The SIS is conducted on the international application as originally filed, and neither amendments filed under Article 19 PCT and/or Article 34 PCT nor informal comments will be taken into account.
The limitations related to subject-matter set out in Annex A to the Agreement EPO-WIPO apply both where the EPO acts as ISA and where it acts as SISA (see points 253254 ff). The same applies as to any other reason for non-establishment of a (full) search, i.e. complex applications, missing sequence listings and non-unity (see points 249250 ff). As to particulars of the procedure in case of a missing sequence listing and non-unity, reference is madeplease refer to points 284285 and point 288289.
Further, whereFurthermore, the EPO actsacting as SISA it may decide not to carry out a search on claims that were not searched by the ISA either. However, if the EPO, as ISA had it been the ISA for the international application, would have searched the claims concerned, it will not exercise its discretion not toalso search these claims if it acts as SISA.
Source: http://www.epo.org/applying/international/guide-for-applicants/html/e/ga_c_iv_2.html
Date retrieved: 24 November 2017