Since 1 January 2009, the following kind codes have been used for publication of a PCT application:

Code

Publication details

A1

International application published with ISR

A2

International application published without ISR or

GL-PCT FOREWORD 2.6 Forms used by the RO, ISA, SISA and IPEA

The following forms are used by the EPO as RO:

PCT/RO/103

Invitation to correct the purported international application

PCT/RO/104

Notification that the purported international application is not and will not be treated as an international application

PCT/RO/105

Notification of the international application number and of the international filing date

PCT/RO/106

Invitation to co

GL-PCT FOREWORD 2.5 Abbreviations

In these Guidelines, the following abbreviations are used:

AAD

Arrangements for the automatic debiting procedure

ADA

Arrangements for deposit accounts

AI

Administrative Instructions under the PCT

ARIPO

African Regional Intellectual Property Organization

Art.

Article

GL-PCT FOREWORD 2.4 Further sources of information

Regularly updated general information on the EPO and specific information on the procedures before the EPO as receiving Office, International Authority (ISA, SISA and IPEA) and designated/elected Office under the PCT is provided in the Annexes to the WIPO PCT Guide [ 3 ].

GL-PCT FOREWORD 2.3 Relationship between the PCT‑EPO Guidelines and the ISPE Guidelines

The PCT‑EPO Guidelines are intended to be complementary to, but not a substitute for, the PCT ISPE^[ 1 ] and RO Guidelines, as well as the PCT Applicant's Guide ("WIPO PCT Guide") and the Euro-PCT Guide^[ 2 ] ("PCT procedure at the EPO, [International phase and entry into the European phase], Guide for applicants").

GL-PCT FOREWORD 2.2 Applicability of the PCT‑EPO Guidelines

These Guidelines are intended to cover normal occurrences. They should therefore be considered only as general instructions. The application of these Guidelines to individual international patent applications is the responsibility of the formalities and examining staff and they may have to go beyond these instructions in exceptional cases. Nevertheless, as a general rule, parties can expect the EPO in its capacity as RO, (S)ISA or IPEA to act in accordance with these Guidelines until such time as they – or the relevant legal provisions – are amended.

GL-PCT FOREWORD 2.1 Overview

The PCT‑EPO Guidelines follow the structure of the EP Guidelines (Parts A, B, C, E, F, G and H, without D because there is no opposition, limitation or revocation under the PCT), and as far as possible the organisation within each part is similar to that of the EP Guidelines, adapted to the particularities of the PCT system. The sequence of chapters within Part A, however, differs from that of the EP Guidelines.