6.9.2 International Online Specialists

Also in this Chapter:

• 6.9.1 Current Allocation of PCT Related Duties​​​​​​​

• 6.9.3 Authorised Officer

• 6.9.4 Minimum Levels of Responsibility

• 6.9.5 Examiners with Foreign Language Capabilities

• 6.9.6 Current Status of APO as an RO ISA and IPEA

Some examination sections designate a particular examiner as being their ‘primary searcher’. Other sections do not utilise a primary searcher, but rather all examiners in the section, or at least those with acceptance delegation, are familiar with all procedures relating to international and online searching.

A primary searcher is responsible for providing advice on the section's international search strategies and online database searching, and normally does the bulk of the advisory work. The primary searcher is also responsible, particularly when going on leave, for ensuring that a designated back-up searcher is familiar with all procedures relating to international and online searching in the section.

The back-up searcher acts for the primary searcher when the latter is not available. The back-up should be an experienced searcher and should be familiar with all procedures relating to international and online database searching in the section.

Where an examiner requires online searching expertise for a technology outside their section, they should approach the supervising examiner, or a senior examiner, of the other section to ascertain an appropriate source of that expertise.