GL C IV 7.4 Citing documents not mentioned in the search report

A copy of any document cited by the examiner but not mentioned in the search report, for example one found in a search under C‑IV, 7.1 or 7.2, should be sent to the applicant and identified in the electronic dossier (see the Decision of the President of the EPO dated 12 July 2007, Special edition No. 3, OJ EPO 2007, J.2).

GL C IV 7.3 Search at the examination stage

Although in principle all search work (other than for Art. 54(3) material) should be done at the search stage, in exceptional circumstances examiners are not barred from looking for a relevant document whose existence they know of or have reason to suspect, if they can retrieve that document in a short time.

GL C IV 7.2 Additional searches during examination

An additional search will sometimes be required either at the first stage of amendment or subsequently.

GL C IV 7.1 Search for conflicting European applications

The examiner should make a search for any additional conflicting European applications falling within the area defined by Art. 54(3) unless this was already covered by the search report.

This is because as a general rule the search files will not be complete in respect of such material at the time the main search is made.

GL C IV 7 Search-related issues in examination

7.1 Search for conflicting European applications

7.2 Additional searches during examination

7.3 Search at the examination stage

7.4 Citing documents not mentioned in the search report

GL C IV 6 Admissibility of amendments made by the applicant

For matters relating to the admissibility of amendments made in examination proceedings, see H‑II, 2.[Rule 137(2); (3); ]

GL C IV 5 Examination of amendments

Any amendment must satisfy the conditions listed in C‑III, 2. When it was effected must also be established.

GL C IV 4 Later stages of examination

Similar considerations apply to later stages of examination on the understanding that, having regard to the principle stated in C‑IV, 3, the greater the number of actions which have already taken place, the greater is the likelihood that the most appropriate action is to refer the application to the other members of the examining division for a decision.

GL C IV 3.1 Further action where a request for a translation of the priority application was sent earlier in examination proceedings

In cases where an invitation under Rule 53(3) to file a translation of one or more priority applications was sent earlier in examination proceedings (either separately or at the same time as a communication under Art. 94(3) – see A‑III, 6.8.2), a subsequent communication (under Art. 94(3) or Rule 71(3), or a summons to oral proceedings) cannot be sent until the translation is f

GL C IV 3 Further action upon examination of replies

Examiners should be guided at this stage by the overriding principle that a final position (grant or refusal) should be reached in as few actions as possible, and they should control the procedure with this always in mind.