What is the purpose of Form PCT/IPEA/408 in international patent applications?

Form PCT/IPEA/408 serves a specific purpose in the international patent application process. According to MPEP 1876:

“Mistakes that are not obvious may be called to applicant’s attention in Box VII of PCT/IPEA/408.”

This form is used by examiners to communicate non-obvious mistakes or issues to the applicant. It’s part of the written opinion of the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) and provides a formal means of notifying applicants about potential problems or areas for improvement in their application that may not be immediately apparent.

To learn more:

• PCT forms
• International patent examination
• Non-obvious mistakes
• IPEA procedures