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2.20.1.4A Formalities Check

Date Published

Note: The information in this part only applies to PCT applications that entered the national phase on or after 15 April 2013.  For all other PCT applications, see 2.20.1.4 Formality Requirements.

After national phase entry, a PCT application must meet the requirements of a formalities check otherwise it may lapse.

Under reg 3.2C:

  • An address for service in Australia or New Zealand must be provided.
  • The inventor name(s) must be provided.
  • Where the application was not published in English, and a translation of the application has been provided by the applicant before or on 25 September 2019, a certificate of verification for the translation must also be filed.
  • The application must comply with certain formality requirements (see also 2.29 Formalities and Forms).

The above matters will be checked by COG before case files are forwarded to examination sections.  However, if during examination examiners notice any deficiencies in these matters, an objection should be taken.  

Note: Unusual formality situations may arise in the case of Article 19 and Article 34 amendments; see 2.20.10.2 Formality Considerations.

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