When is the international search report and written opinion typically established in a PCT application?
The establishment of the international search report and written opinion is a critical step in the PCT process. According to MPEP 1842:
“As provided in PCT Rule 42 and PCT Rule 43bis, the time limit for establishing the international search report (or a declaration that no international search report will be established) and written opinion is three months from the receipt of the search copy by the International Searching Authority, or nine months from the priority date, whichever time limit expires later.”
This means that the International Searching Authority has a maximum of nine months from the priority date to complete these documents, but they may be completed earlier if the search copy is received well in advance of the priority date.
To learn more: