The general considerations relating to the abstract are set out in F‑II, 2.1 to F‑II, 2.6. The abstract relates to the application as filed and published and its final form for publication is determined by the search division. It is not necessary to bring it into conformity with the content of the published patent even if this should differ in substance from that of the application, since the patent specification does not contain an abstract.

In considering the abstract, the search division checks it against the General Guidelines for the Preparation of Abstracts of Patent Documents, using the checklist contained in WIPO Standard ST.12, the relevant parts of which are annexed to this Chapter (F‑II, Annex 1).

The abstract must:

(i)indicate the title of the invention [Rule 47(1); ]

(ii)indicate the technical field to which the invention pertains; [Rule 47(2); ]

The application must contain an abstract. The purpose of the abstract is to give brief technical information about the disclosure as contained in the description, claims and any drawings. The abstract is merely for use as technical information and in particular cannot be used for the purpose of interpreting the scope of the protection sought.

The requirements for a European patent application are set out in Art. 78.