GL B I 2.2.1 Where claimed unitary subject-matter covers more than one technical field

Exceptionally, where the application covers two or more technical fields which are so diverse that a member trained to carry out searches in one of those fields cannot reasonably be expected to carry out a search in all of them, the responsibility for preparing the search report may be shared between a number of members.

The skills required to carry out a search in a particular technical field consist of two aspects, viz.:

(a)

GL B I 2.2 Search division consisting of more than one member

Where the invention is of a nature requiring searching in widely dispersed specialised fields, a special search division consisting of two, or possibly three, members may be formed, for example, where the "person skilled in the art" in the technical field of the application consists of more than one person (see G‑VII, 3).

Another case is where there is found to be a lack of unity in subject-matter between different technical fields.

In such cases, the documents found in the different

GL B I 2.1 Consultation with other examiners

The search division entrusted with the search may consult other examiners for advice on any number of issues, for example:

(i)online searches in databases with which the search division is not familiar;

(ii)understanding aspects of the claimed invention which may lie outside

GL B I 2 Search division

The search division is responsible for drafting extended European search reports under Art. 92, including a search opinion pursuant to Rule 62(1), as well as for drafting all of the different types of search report referred to in B‑I, 1, and B‑II, 4.

GL B I 1 Purpose of Part B

Part B was drafted for, and applies to, European searches, i.e. searches performed by the EPO for European applications. In addition to these searches the search divisions of the EPO are called upon to carry out other types of searches (see B‑II, 4.4, to B‑II, 4.6).

GL B I – Introduction

1. Purpose of Part B

2. Search division

GL B Purpose of Part B

Contents

Chapter I – Introduction

2.Search division

2.1Consultation with o

GL A XI 5.2 Priority documents issued by the EPO

Any priority document (i.e. the certified copy of the European patent application together with the certificate stating the date of filing thereof) will only be issued to the (original) applicant or that party's successor in title on written request. If such request is missing, the EPO will invite the requester to file it and will supply the certified copy only once this requirement has been fulfilled.

GL A XI 5.1 Certified copies of documents from the files or of other documents

The EPO will issue on request a certified copy of the European patent application or European patent specification, or of other documents from the files of European applications and patents (e.g. an extract from the European Patent Register), provided that the conditions for file inspection (Art. 128(1) to (4)) are fulfilled and an administrative fee has been paid (see A‑XI, 1, and

GL A XI 5 Issuance of certified copies

5.1 Certified copies of documents from the files or of other documents

5.2 Priority documents issued by the EPO