The applicant is required to respond to the search opinion within the time limit under Rule 70(1) or, if a communication under Rule 70(2) is sent (see C‑II, 1.1), within the time limit under Rule 70(2). If the applicant fails to respond to the search opinion on time, the application is deemed to be withdrawn (Rule 70a(3)).

GL A VI 2.6 Reduction in examination fee

Where applicants having their residence or principal place of business within the territory of a contracting state having a language other than English, French or German as an official language, and nationals of that state who are resident abroad avail themselves of the options provided for under Art. 14(4), the examination fee is reduced under certain circumstances (Rule 6(3) to (7) in conjunction with

GL A VI 2.5 Refund of examination fee

The examination fee is refunded:[Art. 11 RFees; ]

(i)in full if the European patent application is withdrawn, refused or deemed to be withdrawn before substantive examination has begun (Art. 11(a) RFees); or

(ii)

GL A VI 2.4 Transmission of the dossier to the examining division

If the Receiving Section finds that the request for examination was filed in due time, or the desire to proceed further with the application was indicated in due time (Rule 70(2)), it transmits the application to the examining division.

GL A VI 2.3 Legal remedy

If the request for examination is not validly filed by paying the examination fee before expiry of the period under Rule 70(1), the application is deemed to be withdrawn and the applicant is notified accordingly.

GL A VI 2.2 Time limit for filing the request for examination

The request for examination may be filed by the applicant up to the end of six months after the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions the publication of the European search report. The request for examination is not deemed to have been filed until the examination fee has been paid (see C‑II, 1).

GL A VI 2.1 Communication

The Receiving Section communicates to the applicant the date on which the European Patent Bulletin mentions the publication of the European search report and draws attention to the provisions with regard to the request for examination as set out in Art. 94(1) and (2) and Rule 70(1).