Potentially non-prejudicial disclosures should be cited in the international search report. Whether the disclosure falls within Art. 55(1)(a) or (b) EPC will be investigated by the Examining Division after the application has validly entered the European phase.[Rule 51bis.1(a)(v); Art. 55 EPC; ]
See also ISPE Guidelines 16.76.
Source: http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legal-texts/html/guidelinespct/e/b_vi_5_5.htm
Date retrieved: 17 May 2021