GL-PCT A IV 2.2.1 Conditional withdrawal

Applicants may request the withdrawal of their international application on condition that the international publication can be prevented ("conditional withdrawal"). In such a case, the withdrawal does not become effective if the condition cannot be met, that is, if the IB has already completed the technical preparations for the international publication. It is recommended that conditional withdrawals be submitted direct to the IB, especially if the date of completion of the technical preparations is imminent.[]

GL-PCT A IV 2.2 Withdrawal of the international application

Applicants may address a notice of withdrawal of their international application to the IB, the RO or, where a demand has been filed, to the IPEA, and may do so at any time prior to the expiration of 30 months from the priority date.[Rule 90bis.1; ]

The EPO as RO or IPEA will mark the notice of withdrawal of the international application with the date on which it was received and promptly transmit it to the IB.[]

For information o

GL-PCT A IV 2.1 General remarks

Applicants may withdraw their international application, one or more designations, priority claims, their request for supplementary international search, their demand or any or all elections by filing a notice of withdrawal within the prescribed time limits.

GL-PCT A IV 2 Withdrawals

2.1 General remarks

2.2 Withdrawal of the international application

2.3 Withdrawal of designations

2.4 Withdrawal of priority claims

2.5 Withdrawal of the supplementary search request

GL-PCT A IV 1.4 Processing by the EPO as ISA

For the procedure followed by the EPO as ISA when assessing a PCT Direct request, see GL/PCT‑EPO B‑IV, 1.2.2.

GL-PCT A IV 1.3 Processing by the EPO as RO

The PCT Direct letter and its annexes are transmitted to the EPO as ISA and to the IB, together with, respectively, the search copy and the record copy.

The PCT Direct letter and its annexes are made available to the public via file inspection in the European Patent Register and on WIPO's PATENTSCOPE.

For details on the procedure in the event of missing indications or missing informal comments, see GL/RO 116F and 116G.

For information on the procedure if informal comments are submitted after the fili

GL-PCT A IV 1.2 Form of submissions

Applicants may request to have their international application processed under the PCT Direct service 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.

GL-PCT A IV 1.1 General remarks

When 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), the applicant may submit to any receiving Office informal comments aimed at reacting to the objections raised in the search opinion established by the EPO for the priority application.