MPEP § 1844 — The International Search Report (Annotated Rules)

§1844 The International Search Report

USPTO MPEP version: BlueIron's Update: 2025-12-31

This page consolidates and annotates all enforceable requirements under MPEP § 1844, 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 International Search Report

This section addresses The International Search Report. Contains: 2 requirements, 1 permission, and 7 other statements.

Key Rules

Topic

Article 19 Amendment Scope

5 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-b8d1846d2949d5e126b21d03]
Two Main Sheets for International Search Reports Required
Note:
The international search report form must include two main sheets for recording important features of the search and additional continuation sheets if necessary.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 19 Amendment TimingInternational Searching Authority (ISA)
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-a4d79c6fd03b0cc7b3698f9c]
Continuation Sheets for International Search Report
Note:
The international search report includes five optional continuation sheets for additional information when necessary, such as nucleotide and amino acid sequences, unsearchable claims, amended abstracts, and document citations exceeding the main sheet space.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 19 Amendment TimingPCT Abstract Requirements
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-9fe14233e21b9088d97581c1]
Use Continuation Sheets for Unsearchable Claims or Lack of Unity
Note:
This rule requires the use of continuation sheets when claims are found unsearchable or unity of invention is lacking, as indicated on the first sheet.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeUnity of Invention StandardPCT Article 19 Amendments
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1844-30e91df17f4ef27bd9f809d6]
Indications Must Be Made on Continuation Sheet
Note:
When claims are unsearchable or unity of invention is lacking, relevant indications must be recorded on the appropriate continuation sheet.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 19 Amendment TimingPCT Abstract Requirements
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1844-cb9a586a0b20b3427650f483]
Citations Must Be Specifically Identified for Relevant Passages
Note:
Documents and their relevant passages must be specifically cited in the international search report, indicating pages, columns, or lines if only certain parts are pertinent.

The international search report (PCT Rule 43) contains, among other things, the citations of the documents considered to be relevant (PCT Rule 43.5 and Administrative Instructions Section 503), the classification of the subject matter of the invention (PCT Rule 43.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 504) and an indication of the fields searched (PCT Rule 43.6). Citations of particular relevance must be specially indicated (Administrative Instructions Section 505); citations of certain special categories of documents are also indicated (Administrative Instructions Section 507); citations which are not relevant to all the claims must be cited in relation to the claim or claims to which they are relevant (Administrative Instructions Section 508); if only certain passages of the cited document are particularly relevant, they must be identified, for example, by indicating the page, the column or the lines, where the passage appears (PCT Rule 43.5(e)).

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment ScopePCT Claims FormatPCT Article 19 Amendments
Topic

International Searching Authority (ISA)

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-78bb324aa3ce92712191dace]
Two Main Sheets for Recording Search Features
Note:
The International Searching Authority must use two main sheets to record the fields searched and documents cited during a patent search.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Searching Authority (ISA)Article 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 19 Amendment Timing
StatutoryPermittedAlways
[mpep-1844-9c66db5302e57c2c05ba26d1]
Continuation of First Sheet for Nucleotide Sequences
Note:
The 'continuation of first sheet (1)' must be used when an international application includes nucleotide sequences and indicates the basis for the search.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Searching Authority (ISA)Sequence Listing in PCTPCT International Application Filing
Topic

Article 19 Amendment Timing

2 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-ec347ab69c98fd4b23bd264f]
Optional Continuation Sheets for International Search Report
Note:
The international search report form includes five optional continuation sheets for additional information as needed.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment TimingInternational Searching Authority (ISA)International Search Report
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-41148c805274a0a3c3dc5e3f]
Documents and Classification Indicated in International Search Report
Note:
The international search report must include citations of relevant documents, classification of the invention’s subject matter, and indication of fields searched.

The international search report (PCT Rule 43) contains, among other things, the citations of the documents considered to be relevant (PCT Rule 43.5 and Administrative Instructions Section 503), the classification of the subject matter of the invention (PCT Rule 43.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 504) and an indication of the fields searched (PCT Rule 43.6). Citations of particular relevance must be specially indicated (Administrative Instructions Section 505); citations of certain special categories of documents are also indicated (Administrative Instructions Section 507); citations which are not relevant to all the claims must be cited in relation to the claim or claims to which they are relevant (Administrative Instructions Section 508); if only certain passages of the cited document are particularly relevant, they must be identified, for example, by indicating the page, the column or the lines, where the passage appears (PCT Rule 43.5(e)).

Jump to MPEP SourceArticle 19 Amendment TimingInternational Searching Authority (ISA)International Search Report
Topic

Period for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1844-6e3cedd26da35054914928f3]
International Search Report Must Be Established Within Time Limit and Prescribed Form
Note:
The international search report must be created within the specified time frame and follow the required format.

(1) The international search report shall be established within the prescribed time limit and in the prescribed form.

Jump to MPEP SourcePeriod for Reply (37 CFR 1.134)
Topic

Prior Art

1 rules
StatutoryRecommendedAlways
[mpep-1844-d8596a958d46f6a01f504068]
Search Report Must Identify Prior Art Only
Note:
The search report should only list prior art without any opinions, reasoning, or explanations about the cited art; such comments must be included in the written opinion of the International Searching Authority.

The search report is only for the purpose of identifying prior art and should not contain any expressions of opinion, reasoning, argument or explanation as to any cited prior art. Such comments should be included in the written opinion of the International Searching Authority.

Topic

Nationals and Residents

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-d2528d6f84de023729fbd986]
Patent Family Annex Not Used By US International Searching Authority
Note:
The patent family annex sheet is not currently utilized by the United States International Searching Authority as patent family information is not readily available to examiners.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceNationals and ResidentsInternational Searching Authority (ISA)International Search
Topic

PCT Abstract Requirements

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-09ebe9e5024338f4a64b2950]
Abstract Must Be Included on Continuation Sheet
Note:
The abstract or amended abstract established by the International Searching Authority must be included on the 'continuation of first sheet (3)' and noted on the first sheet.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourcePCT Abstract RequirementsEffect of International FilingInternational Searching Authority (ISA)
Topic

International Search Report

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-2455206865cab94320894ad4]
Documents Citation When Space Insufficient on Second Sheet
Note:
Use the continuation of second sheet to cite documents when space is insufficient on the main second sheet of the international search report.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceInternational Search ReportArticle 19 Amendment ScopeArticle 19 Amendment Timing
Topic

Request Content and Form

1 rules
StatutoryRequiredAlways
[mpep-1844-548cdfb8138383917dd9f78a]
Extra Sheet for Additional Information
Note:
An additional sheet may be used to complete information from other sheets when extra space is required.

The printed international search report form (Form PCT/ISA/210) to be transmitted to the applicant and to the International Bureau contains two main sheets (“first sheet” and “second sheet”) to be used for all searches. These two main sheets are intended for recording the important features of the search such as the fields searched and for citing documents revealed by the search. The printed international search report form also contains five optional continuation sheets for use where necessary. They are the: “continuation of first sheet (1),” “continuation of first sheet (2),” “continuation of first sheet (3),” “continuation of second sheet” and “patent family annex,” respectively. The patent family annex sheet is not currently used by the United States International Searching Authority since patent family information is not readily available to the examiner. The “continuation of first sheet (1)” is to be used only when the international application includes a nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence and indicates the basis on which the international search was carried out, since the relevant listings may be filed or furnished at different times and in different forms. The “continuation of first sheet (2)” is used where an indication is made on the first sheet that claims were found unsearchable (item 2) and/or unity of invention is lacking (item 3). The relevant indications must then be made on that continuation sheet. The “continuation of first sheet (3)” is to contain the text of the abstract where an abstract or an amended abstract has been established by the International Searching Authority (item 5) and an indication to that effect is made on the first sheet. The “continuation of second sheet” is to be used where the space on the second sheet is insufficient for the citation of documents. The form also includes an “extra sheet” which may be used whenever additional space is required to complete information from the other sheets.

Jump to MPEP SourceRequest Content and FormPCT Request FormArticle 19 Amendment Scope
Topic

Publication Language

1 rules
StatutoryInformativeAlways
[mpep-1844-6359ca49d73acf5331323fe3]
Second and Certain Continuation Sheets Required for International Publication
Note:
The rule specifies that only the second sheet, continuation of second sheet (if any), continuation of first sheet (2) (if any), extra sheet (if any), and separate sheets with patent family information will be published internationally. Information on the first sheet and its continuations will not be included.

It is to be noted that only the “second sheet”, the “continuation of second sheet” (if any), the “continuation of first sheet (2)” (if any), and the “extra sheet” (if any), as well as any separate sheet with information on members of patent families, will be the subject of international publication, as the “first sheet,” “continuation of first sheet (1)” (if any), and the “continuation of first sheet (3)” (if any) contain only information which will already appear on the front page of the publication of the international application (PCT Rule 48.2(b)).

Jump to MPEP SourcePublication LanguageInternational PublicationPatent Cooperation Treaty

Citations

Primary topicCitation
Article 19 Amendment Scope
Article 19 Amendment Timing
PCT Rule 43.5(e)
Publication LanguagePCT Rule 48.2(b)

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.

BlueIron Last Updated: 2025-12-31