For general information on third-party observations in the PCT phase, see GL/PCT‑EPO E-II.[]

If the formalities officer forwards third-party observations to the examiner before a final report (ISR, SISR or IPER) is established, the examiner should consider them in the same way as in the European procedure (see GL/EPO E‑VI, 3).

GL-PCT B IV 1.2.2 Processing of PCT Direct letters

PCT Direct letters filed with the receiving Office will be transmitted to the EPO as International Searching Authority and to the International Bureau of WIPO together with the search copy and record copy, respectively.

At the EPO as International Searching Authority, the examiner performing the international search will take informal comments filed under PCT Direct into account when preparing the international search report and written opinion, provided that they meet the requirements (a) and (b) listed in

GL-PCT B IV 1.2.1 Requests for PCT Direct

Applicants may request to have their international application processed under PCT Direct by filing a letter ("PCT Direct letter") containing informal comments aimed at overcoming objections raised in the search opinion established by the EPO for the priority application. Such informal comments are to be understood as arguments regarding the patentability of the claims of the international application and also possibly as explanations regarding any modifications to the application documents, in particular to the claims, in comparison with the earlier application.

GL-PCT B IV 1.2 PCT Direct applications

Under PCT Direct, an applicant filing an international application claiming priority from an earlier national, European or international application already searched by the EPO (i.e. a "doublure"; see GL/PCT‑EPO B‑IV, 1.1) is able to react to any objections raised in the search opinion drawn up for the priority application.

GL-PCT B IV 1.1 Taking into account results of an earlier search and classification

Applicants may request the ISA to take any earlier searches into account, including searches not carried out by the EPO.[Rules 4.12; 12bis; Rules 23bis.1; 41.1; ]

It may happen that the PCT application to be searched by the EPO as ISA is a "doublure" of a previous application.