What is the role of the Receiving Office (RO) in the PCT process?
The Receiving Office (RO) plays a crucial role in the initial stages of the PCT process. According to the MPEP, The receiving Office functions as the filing and formalities review organization for international applications.
The main responsibilities of the Receiving Office include:
- Accepting and processing international applications
- Conducting formalities review
- Granting an international filing date
- Collecting fees
- Handling informalities through direct communication with the applicant
- Preparing and transmitting copies of the application to the International Searching Authority (ISA) and the International Bureau (IB)
The MPEP further states, By 13 months from the priority date, the receiving Office should prepare and transmit a copy of the international application, called the search copy (SC), to the International Searching Authority (ISA); and forward the original, called the record copy (RC), to the International Bureau (IB).
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