Unity is assessed in the same way in the PCT and European procedures. However, the consequences of a finding of lack of unity at the search and/or examination stages are different under the PCT, as are the actions to be taken by the examiner. In particular, the applicant may be asked to pay additional search and/or examination fees and may do so under protest.

Furthermore, divisional applications are not allowed under the PCT.

Section B‑VI, 7, in the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO applies mutatis mutandis.

See also ISPE Guidelines 11.13.

 

Section B‑VI, 6.4, in the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO applies mutatis mutandis.

Section B‑VI, 6.2, in the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO applies mutatis mutandis.

6.1 General remark

6.2 Citation of documents corresponding to documents not available or not published in one of the official EPO languages

6.3 Conflict between abstract and source document

6.4 Insufficient prior-art disclosures