The objective of the international search is to discover the prior art which is relevant for the purpose of determining novelty and inventive step. The international search as such, thus, does not differ from a European search.[Art. 15; Rule 33; GL/ISPE 15.01; ]
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelinespct/e/b_ii_2.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021