The systematically accessible search documentation includes the national patent documents belonging to the PCT minimum documentation as specified in Rule 34.1(b)(i) PCT and Rule 34.1(c) PCT.

Also included are published international (PCT) and regional (e.g. European) patent applications, patents, and inventors' certificates (Rule 34.1(b)(ii) PCT).

All members of the search division have at their disposal computer facilities for searching the search documentation. These allow, amongst other things, the use of the Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), which is based on the International Patent Classification (IPC) but comprises finer internal subdivisions. Searches can also be performed using other classification systems and/or words.

1.1 Organisation and composition of the documentation available to the search divisions

1.2 Systematic access systems

If the claims on which the search is to be based were filed after the date of filing or under Rule 58, they do not form part of the application documents "as originally filed". Also, for Euro-PCT applications (see B‑III, 3.3.1), it may happen that amended claims form the basis for the supplementary European search.

Claims depending either directly or indirectly via other dependent claims on an independent claim excluded from the search in accordance with Rule 62a(1) (see B‑VIII, 4.2) are likewise excluded from the search.