6.6.5 Search Report

Also in this Chapter:

• 6.6.1 Introduction

• 6.6.2 Completion Time and Priority

• 6.6.3 Initial Processing

• 6.6.4 Search Procedure​​​​​​​

• 6.6.6 Final Processing

• 6.6.7 Annexes

Following completion of the search, examiners are to compile the search report.

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) Guidelines and sample reports are found at Annexes A.1, A.2 and A.3. 

An example of a completed Australian report form is shown at Annex B.

In completing this form:

• Delete any country not searched.

• Patent documents are referred to by at least country and publication number.

• Comments are normally required, the only exception being where the requestor is an Industrial Property Office.

• Where comments are made, they are to be limited to what the document discloses – that is, why it has been cited (see the completed example report(s)).

• Where space is insufficient, add a further sheet.

The following are automatically sent to the PCT Unit when the examiner clicks SUBMIT in SmartIQ (Intelledox).

• The search report

• A Search Information Statement (SIS)

Note: There is no requirement for reports to be signed, and to avoid any confusion in the mind of the applicant resulting from differing practices, reports should not be signed.