MPEP § 1840.01 — The European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority (Annotated Rules)
This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1840.01, including statutory authority, regulatory rules, examiner guidance, and practice notes. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only, it is not legal advice.
The European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority
This section addresses The European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority.
Source Text from USPTO’s MPEP
This is an exact copy of the MPEP from the USPTO. It is here for your reference to see the section in context.
Official MPEP § 1840.01 — The European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority
Source: USPTO1840.01 The European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority [R-10.2019]
Since October 1, 1982, the European Patent Office (EPO) has been available as an International Searching Authority for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office. The original announcement appeared in the Official Gazette at 1022 OG 52 on September 28, 1982. An announcement modifying the original arrangement with the EPO appeared in the Official Gazette at 1412 OG 61 on March 10, 2015.
For any limitations or restrictions with the EPO as an ISA, please refer to the PCT Information section of the Official Gazette found on the USPTO’s website (www.uspto.gov/learning-and-resources/ official-gazette).
For additional information, e.g., subject matter limitations, additional search fees, cited documents, etc., please refer to Annex D of the PCT Applicant’s Guide found on WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/pct/en/guide/index.html).