Unlike the EPC, the PCT does not explicitly rule out the patentability of subject-matter for reasons of public order or morality. However, according to Rule 9, the application must not contain any expressions contrary to public order or morality, and under the Agreement between the EPO and WIPO the EPO may exclude matter which would be excluded under Art. 53(a) EPC. Generally, no search or preliminary examination is carried out on such matter by the EPO as ISA/IPEA.

See ISPE Guidelines 9.11 to ISPE Guidelines 9.14. However, under the Agreement between the EPO and WIPO these fall within the EPO's discretion to exclude matter which would be excluded under Art. 52(2)(d) and Art. 52(3) EPC.

See ISPE Guidelines 9.07, ISPE Guidelines A9.07 and ISPE Guidelines A9.07[2].

See ISPE Guidelines 9.05. However, under the Agreement between the EPO and WIPO these fall within the EPO's discretion to exclude matter which would be excluded under Art. 52(2)(a) and Art. 52(3) EPC. Section GL/EPO G‑II, 3.3, in the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO applies mutatis mutandis.

Rules 39.1 and 67.1 do not explicitly exclude an international search or international preliminary examination on discoveries from being carried out by the ISA or IPEA, respectively. However, under the Agreement between the EPO and WIPO these fall within the EPO's discretion to exclude matter which would be excluded under Art. 52(2)(a) and Art. 52(3) EPC.