In order that examination of a European application can begin, applicants are required to file a request for examination, which, however, is not deemed to be filed until after the examination fee has been paid. The request for examination may be filed from the date on which the application is filed up to the end of six months after the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions the publication of the European search report (see A‑VI, 2.1).

The purpose of preparing the search opinion (see B‑XI) and of the subsequent examination proceedings is to ensure that the application and the invention to which it relates meet the requirements set out in the relevant articles of the EPC and the rules of its Implementing Regulations.

Under the "Early Certainty from Search" (ECfS) scheme, completing examination files already started is prioritised over beginning work on new files, and grants are expedited once a positive search opinion has been issued.

The attitude of examiners is very important. They should always try to be constructive and helpful.

1. General remark

2. The work of examiners

3. Overview

4. Purpose of examination

When drafting the search opinion, the search division takes into consideration any prior-art document provided by the applicant under Rule 141(1) or by the office of first filing under Rule 141(2) (see OJ EPO 2011, 62, OJ EPO 2012, 540, OJ EPO 2013, 216, OJ EPO 2015, A2, and OJ EPO 2016, A18), if available at the time of preparing the opinion (see A‑III, 6.12, and