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1.1.2.2 International Examination

Date Published

The examiner will prepare the written opinion (International Search Opinion/ISO) of the International Search Authority following 1.3.1 Procedural Outline.  The ISO is carried out according to the same criteria which are used in international preliminary examination by the International Preliminary Examination Authority (IPEA).  If the applicant does not demand international preliminary examination, the International Bureau (IB) will convert the ISO to an International Preliminary Report on Patentability (Chapter I) (IPRPI).  For many PCT contracting States who do not have an examining capability this examination report serves as the only examination report in relation to the particular application.  The ISO therefore serves an important role and the examination must be of a high standard.

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