GL B X 2 Different types of search reports drawn up by the EPO

The EPO will draw up the following types of search reports:

(i)European search reports (see B‑II, 4.1);

(ii)supplementary European search reports concerning PCT applications (see B‑II, 4.3);

GL B X 1 General

The results of the search will be recorded in a search report. A number of different possible limitations of the scope of the search report exist.

GL B X – Search report

1. General

2. Different types of search reports drawn up by the EPO

3. Form and language of the search report

4. Identification of the patent application and type of search report

5. Classification of the patent application

GL B IX 5 Access to EPO documentation for the national patent offices

The EPO provides the national offices of its member states with access to its electronic search documentation as described in B‑IX, 2.1 to 2.3.

For other documentation of the EPO, if delivered by commercial database providers, access can be limited, depending on the conditions of data delivery agreed between the EPO and the data provider.

GL B IX 4.1 Composition

In addition to the non-patent literature mainly serving search purposes (see B‑IX, 3), the non-patent literature arranged for library type access also comprises such literature serving primarily as sources of information and education of the search division both as regards general and background technical information and as regards new technical developments. Furthermore, the collection includes many reports, pamphlets, etc.

GL B IX 4 Non-patent literature arranged for library-type access

4.1 Composition

GL B IX 3.1 Periodicals, records, reports, books, etc.

The systematically accessible search documentation includes the relevant articles from the list of periodicals belonging to the minimum documentation under the PCT as established by the competent WIPO body and from other periodicals where deemed useful by the search division.

GL B IX 3 Non-patent literature arranged for systematic access

3.1 Periodicals, records, reports, books, etc.

GL B IX 2.4 Patent family system

The EPO keeps a patent family system based on application data and priority data of the patent documents stored in databases of the EPO. When viewing patent documents on screen, normally only one representative document of a patent family is displayed, but links to the other members of its patent family are provided.

GL B IX 2.3 Search reports

The official European and international (PCT) search reports are normally published together with the European and international applications and are included in the search files together with these applications. The official search reports relating to national applications, as well as unofficial search reports, are also included in these files to the extent that they are available to the public.