[Editor Note: This section discusses the July 2022 version of PCT/ISA/210. For international applications having an international filing date before July 1, 2022, information regarding form PCT/ISA/210 (revised January 2019) may be found in §1844.01 of the 10.2019 revision of the Ninth Edition of the MPEP published June 2020 at: www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/old/ mpep_E9R10.htm.]

Where the application includes the rectification of an obvious mistake authorized by or notified to the International Searching Authority under PCT Rule 91, box 1b of the first sheet is checked. The authorization or notification will generally be indicated on a Notification of Decision Concerning Request for Rectification (Form PCT/RO/109 or PCT/ISA/217) (see MPEP § 1836).

Where the application includes the rectification of an obvious mistake authorized by or notified to the International Searching Authority under PCT Rule 91, box 1b of the first sheet is checked. The authorization or notification will generally be indicated on a Notification of Decision Concerning Request for Rectification (Form PCT/RO/109 or PCT/ISA/217) (see MPEP § 1836).

Regarding the three boxes indicating a Remark on Protest, the first box would be checked if the payment of any additional search fees is accompanied by a protest. The second box would not be checked since the ISA/US does not require a protest fee. The third box would be checked if the payment of any additional search fees is not accompanied by a protest. See MPEP § 1850, subsection X., for a discussion of protest procedure.

Regarding the three boxes indicating a Remark on Protest, the first box would be checked if the payment of any additional search fees is accompanied by a protest. The second box would not be checked since the ISA/US does not require a protest fee. The third box would be checked if the payment of any additional search fees is not accompanied by a protest. See MPEP § 1850, subsection X., for a discussion of protest procedure.

Regarding the three boxes indicating a Remark on Protest, the first box would be checked if the payment of any additional search fees is accompanied by a protest. The second box would not be checked since the ISA/US does not require a protest fee. The third box would be checked if the payment of any additional search fees is not accompanied by a protest. See MPEP § 1850, subsection X., for a discussion of protest procedure.

Where the international search report is entirely or partly based on a previous search made for an application relating to a similar subject, the previous application number and the relevant search history consulted for this previous search is, where appropriate, identified as having been consulted for the international application in question, except in those instances where the details of an earlier search cannot be ascertained, or whenever it is impractical to record the full details of the earlier search. In the later case, a summary of the earlier search should be included. Where the previous application has been published, this information is recorded in the international search report.

Where the international search report is entirely or partly based on a previous search made for an application relating to a similar subject, the previous application number and the relevant search history consulted for this previous search is, where appropriate, identified as having been consulted for the international application in question, except in those instances where the details of an earlier search cannot be ascertained, or whenever it is impractical to record the full details of the earlier search. In the later case, a summary of the earlier search should be included. Where the previous application has been published, this information is recorded in the international search report.

Where the international search report is entirely or partly based on a previous search made for an application relating to a similar subject, the previous application number and the relevant search history consulted for this previous search is, where appropriate, identified as having been consulted for the international application in question, except in those instances where the details of an earlier search cannot be ascertained, or whenever it is impractical to record the full details of the earlier search. In the later case, a summary of the earlier search should be included. Where the previous application has been published, this information is recorded in the international search report.

Where a document cited in the international search report refers to a non-written disclosure referred to in PCT Rule 33.1(b), the letter “O” is entered. Examples of such disclosures include conference proceedings. The document category “O” is always accompanied by a symbol indicating the relevance of the document, for example: “O,X”, “O,Y”, or “O,A”.

Where a document cited in the international search report refers to a non-written disclosure referred to in PCT Rule 33.1(b), the letter “O” is entered. Examples of such disclosures include conference proceedings. The document category “O” is always accompanied by a symbol indicating the relevance of the document, for example: “O,X”, “O,Y”, or “O,A”.

Identification of any document should be made according to WIPO Standard ST.14 (see PCT Administrative Instructions Section 503). For “A” citations it is not necessary to indicate the relevant claims unless there is good reason to do so; for example where there is a clear lack of unity a priori (see MPEP § 1850) and the citation is relevant only to a particular claim or group of claims or when the claims meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability under PCT Article 33(2) to (4) and the “A” category citations represent the most relevant prior art. The box on the second sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210 entitled “Further documents listed are in the continuation of Box C” is checked if a continuation sheet is used to list additional documents that will not fit in the space provided in Box C.

The identification of the International Searching Authority which established the international search report and the date of actual completion, i.e., the date on which the report was drawn up are indicated at the bottom of the second sheet of the international search report. The international search report will be accompanied by a transmittal letter (Form PCT/ISA/220) indicating the date the search report was mailed to the applicant. See MPEP § 1845.02.

The identification of the International Searching Authority which established the international search report and the date of actual completion, i.e., the date on which the report was drawn up are indicated at the bottom of the second sheet of the international search report. The international search report will be accompanied by a transmittal letter (Form PCT/ISA/220) indicating the date the search report was mailed to the applicant. See MPEP § 1845.02.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 43.8, the international search report must indicate the name of the officer of the International Searching Authority responsible for the report, i.e., the “authorized officer.” An “authorized officer” is the person who actually performed the search work and prepared the search report, or another person who was responsible for supervising the search. See PCT Administrative Instructions Section 514. Thus, an examiner need not have signatory authority in order to be named as an authorized officer on the search report. However, the “file copy” of the search report must be signed by an examiner having at least partial signatory authority.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 43.8, the international search report must indicate the name of the officer of the International Searching Authority responsible for the report, i.e., the “authorized officer.” An “authorized officer” is the person who actually performed the search work and prepared the search report, or another person who was responsible for supervising the search. See PCT Administrative Instructions Section 514. Thus, an examiner need not have signatory authority in order to be named as an authorized officer on the search report. However, the “file copy” of the search report must be signed by an examiner having at least partial signatory authority.

Pursuant to PCT Rule 43.8, the international search report must indicate the name of the officer of the International Searching Authority responsible for the report, i.e., the “authorized officer.” An “authorized officer” is the person who actually performed the search work and prepared the search report, or another person who was responsible for supervising the search. See PCT Administrative Instructions Section 514. Thus, an examiner need not have signatory authority in order to be named as an authorized officer on the search report. However, the “file copy” of the search report must be signed by an examiner having at least partial signatory authority.

The report indicates whether any claims are unsearchable for any of the reasons indicated below. If any such limitations of the subject of the search are applied, the claims in respect of which a search has not been carried out are identified and the reasons for this are indicated. The three categories where such limitations may arise are:

• (A) claims drawn to subject matter not required to be searched by the International Searching Authority (see MPEP § 1843.02);
• (B) claims in respect of which a meaningful search cannot be carried out (see MPEP § 1843.03); and
• (C) multiple dependent claims which do not comply with PCT Rule 6.4(a) (see MPEP § 1843.03).

The report indicates whether any claims are unsearchable for any of the reasons indicated below. If any such limitations of the subject of the search are applied, the claims in respect of which a search has not been carried out are identified and the reasons for this are indicated. The three categories where such limitations may arise are:
…
(C) multiple dependent claims which do not comply with PCT Rule 6.4(a) (see MPEP § 1843.03).

Where lack of unity has been found (see MPEP § 1850), box 3 of the first sheet of the international search report is checked. In addition, Box No. III of the international search report (on “continuation of first sheet (2)”) is completed, irrespective of whether an invitation to pay additional search fees has issued. The search report indicates the separate inventions claimed in the application, whether additional search fees were requested and paid, and which claims were searched. It also indicates whether any additional search fees were accompanied by a protest.

If applicant paid all the required additional search fees for additional inventions, the examiner should check item 1 under Box No. III indicating that the international search report covers all searchable claims.

If the examiner did not invite payment of additional search fees, item 2 should be checked under Box. No. III and the international search report will cover all searchable claims.

If, in response to a lack of unity of invention, applicant paid only some of the required additional search fees for additional inventions, the examiner should check item 3 under Box No. III and indicate the claims for which fees were paid and therefore, covered by the international search.

If, in response to a lack of unity of invention, no required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, then the international search report is restricted to the invention first mentioned in the claims. The examiner should check item 4 under Box No. III and indicate the claims limited to the first mentioned invention that are covered by the international search report.

If, in response to a lack of unity of invention, no required additional search fees were timely paid by the applicant, then the international search report is restricted to the invention first mentioned in the claims. The examiner should check item 4 under Box No. III and indicate the claims limited to the first mentioned invention that are covered by the international search report.

The applicant may submit modifications of the abstract until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the search report. If the examiner establishes a new abstract, the applicant may propose modifications of, and/or comment on, the new abstract after it has been established in the international search report. The applicant is allowed one month from the date of mailing of the international search report to respond to the examiner’s abstract in the report. If the applicant does comment, the examiner takes the applicant’s comments into consideration. It is not necessary for the examiner to reply to the applicant’s comments even if adverse. If the examiner decides to amend the abstract established in the international search report based on the proposed modifications and/or comment, the International Bureau and the applicant are notified using Form PCT/ISA/205. See PCT Rule 38.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 515.

Identification of any document should be made according to WIPO Standard ST.14 (see PCT Administrative Instructions Section 503). For “A” citations it is not necessary to indicate the relevant claims unless there is good reason to do so; for example where there is a clear lack of unity a priori (see MPEP § 1850) and the citation is relevant only to a particular claim or group of claims or when the claims meet the criteria of novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability under PCT Article 33(2) to (4) and the “A” category citations represent the most relevant prior art. The box on the second sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210 entitled “Further documents listed are in the continuation of Box C” is checked if a continuation sheet is used to list additional documents that will not fit in the space provided in Box C.

Each citation should include a reference to the claims to which it relates (see PCT Administrative Instructions Section 508). If necessary, various relevant parts of the document cited should each be related to the claims in like manner (with the exception of “L” documents and “A” documents). It is also possible for the same document to represent a different category with respect to different claims. For example:

Each citation should include a reference to the claims to which it relates (see PCT Administrative Instructions Section 508). If necessary, various relevant parts of the document cited should each be related to the claims in like manner (with the exception of “L” documents and “A” documents). It is also possible for the same document to represent a different category with respect to different claims. For example:

The international application must contain an abstract and a title. The examiner considers the abstract (together with the title of the invention and the figure of the drawings to be published with the abstract) in relation to the requirements of the Regulations under the PCT. The examiner indicates approval or amendment of the title of the invention, the text of the abstract, and the selection of the figure that is to accompany the abstract in items 4 to 6 of the first sheet of the international search report.

In general, the examiner is required to draft a new title if the applicant failed to provide a title or if the title is deficient because it does not comply with the requirements of PCT Rule 4.3. The examiner is not required to gain the applicant’s approval of the new title established by the examiner.

In general, the examiner is required to draft a new title if the applicant failed to provide a title or if the title is deficient because it does not comply with the requirements of PCT Rule 4.3. The examiner is not required to gain the applicant’s approval of the new title established by the examiner.

In general, the examiner will have to establish a new abstract if the applicant did not provide an abstract or if the abstract does not comply with PCT Rule 8. In determining the definitive contents of the abstract, or establishing the text of the abstract anew where it is missing, the examiner should take into consideration the fact that the abstract is merely for use as technical information and, in particular, must not be used for the purpose of interpreting the scope of the protection sought. The abstract constitutes an efficient instrument for the purpose of assisting the scientist, engineer, or researcher in searching in the particular technical field and should in particular make it possible to assess whether there is need for consulting the international application itself. WIPO guidelines for the preparation of abstracts are found in WIPO Standard ST.12/A, which is available from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/standards/ en/part_03_standards.html).

The applicant may submit modifications of the abstract until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the search report. If the examiner establishes a new abstract, the applicant may propose modifications of, and/or comment on, the new abstract after it has been established in the international search report. The applicant is allowed one month from the date of mailing of the international search report to respond to the examiner’s abstract in the report. If the applicant does comment, the examiner takes the applicant’s comments into consideration. It is not necessary for the examiner to reply to the applicant’s comments even if adverse. If the examiner decides to amend the abstract established in the international search report based on the proposed modifications and/or comment, the International Bureau and the applicant are notified using Form PCT/ISA/205. See PCT Rule 38.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 515.

Documents which are cited are given a category indication by way of an alphabetic character, details of which are given in PCT Administrative Instructions Sections 505 and 507 and below. The categories for citations are also explained under the “documents considered to be relevant” section of the report. A category should always be indicated for each document cited. Where needed, combinations of different categories are possible.

Documents which are cited are given a category indication by way of an alphabetic character, details of which are given in PCT Administrative Instructions Sections 505 and 507 and below. The categories for citations are also explained under the “documents considered to be relevant” section of the report. A category should always be indicated for each document cited. Where needed, combinations of different categories are possible.

Documents which are cited are given a category indication by way of an alphabetic character, details of which are given in PCT Administrative Instructions Sections 505 and 507 and below. The categories for citations are also explained under the “documents considered to be relevant” section of the report. A category should always be indicated for each document cited. Where needed, combinations of different categories are possible.

Documents which are cited are given a category indication by way of an alphabetic character, details of which are given in PCT Administrative Instructions Sections 505 and 507 and below. The categories for citations are also explained under the “documents considered to be relevant” section of the report. A category should always be indicated for each document cited. Where needed, combinations of different categories are possible.

Where lack of unity has been found (see MPEP § 1850), box 3 of the first sheet of the international search report is checked. In addition, Box No. III of the international search report (on “continuation of first sheet (2)”) is completed, irrespective of whether an invitation to pay additional search fees has issued. The search report indicates the separate inventions claimed in the application, whether additional search fees were requested and paid, and which claims were searched. It also indicates whether any additional search fees were accompanied by a protest.

Where lack of unity has been found (see MPEP § 1850), box 3 of the first sheet of the international search report is checked. In addition, Box No. III of the international search report (on “continuation of first sheet (2)”) is completed, irrespective of whether an invitation to pay additional search fees has issued. The search report indicates the separate inventions claimed in the application, whether additional search fees were requested and paid, and which claims were searched. It also indicates whether any additional search fees were accompanied by a protest.

The applicant may submit modifications of the abstract until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the search report. If the examiner establishes a new abstract, the applicant may propose modifications of, and/or comment on, the new abstract after it has been established in the international search report. The applicant is allowed one month from the date of mailing of the international search report to respond to the examiner’s abstract in the report. If the applicant does comment, the examiner takes the applicant’s comments into consideration. It is not necessary for the examiner to reply to the applicant’s comments even if adverse. If the examiner decides to amend the abstract established in the international search report based on the proposed modifications and/or comment, the International Bureau and the applicant are notified using Form PCT/ISA/205. See PCT Rule 38.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 515.

The applicant may submit modifications of the abstract until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the search report. If the examiner establishes a new abstract, the applicant may propose modifications of, and/or comment on, the new abstract after it has been established in the international search report. The applicant is allowed one month from the date of mailing of the international search report to respond to the examiner’s abstract in the report. If the applicant does comment, the examiner takes the applicant’s comments into consideration. It is not necessary for the examiner to reply to the applicant’s comments even if adverse. If the examiner decides to amend the abstract established in the international search report based on the proposed modifications and/or comment, the International Bureau and the applicant are notified using Form PCT/ISA/205. See PCT Rule 38.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 515.

The applicant may submit modifications of the abstract until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the search report. If the examiner establishes a new abstract, the applicant may propose modifications of, and/or comment on, the new abstract after it has been established in the international search report. The applicant is allowed one month from the date of mailing of the international search report to respond to the examiner’s abstract in the report. If the applicant does comment, the examiner takes the applicant’s comments into consideration. It is not necessary for the examiner to reply to the applicant’s comments even if adverse. If the examiner decides to amend the abstract established in the international search report based on the proposed modifications and/or comment, the International Bureau and the applicant are notified using Form PCT/ISA/205. See PCT Rule 38.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 515.

The international application must contain an abstract and a title. The examiner considers the abstract (together with the title of the invention and the figure of the drawings to be published with the abstract) in relation to the requirements of the Regulations under the PCT. The examiner indicates approval or amendment of the title of the invention, the text of the abstract, and the selection of the figure that is to accompany the abstract in items 4 to 6 of the first sheet of the international search report.

(d) Each main technical feature mentioned in the abstract and illustrated by a drawing in the international application shall be followed by a reference sign, placed between parentheses.

When indicating the figure to be published, the applicant’s suggestion is found in Box No. IX of the request (Form PCT/RO/101). Where none of the figures is considered useful for the understanding of the abstract, this is indicated at the appropriate box (box 6b of the first sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210). When no drawings accompany the application, none of the boxes are checked. Otherwise, box 6a is checked and the reason for selecting the figure to be published is indicated, i.e., as suggested by the applicant, as selected by the examiner because either the applicant failed to suggest a figure in Box No. IX of Form PCT/RO/101 or the figure better characterizes the invention. It is not recommended to select more than one figure; however, if it is necessary to do so then the wording of the form should be changed to reflect the change from single case to plural case. For example, “figure” is changed to “figures”, “is” to “are” and “ No.” to “Nos.”.

When indicating the figure to be published, the applicant’s suggestion is found in Box No. IX of the request (Form PCT/RO/101). Where none of the figures is considered useful for the understanding of the abstract, this is indicated at the appropriate box (box 6b of the first sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210). When no drawings accompany the application, none of the boxes are checked. Otherwise, box 6a is checked and the reason for selecting the figure to be published is indicated, i.e., as suggested by the applicant, as selected by the examiner because either the applicant failed to suggest a figure in Box No. IX of Form PCT/RO/101 or the figure better characterizes the invention. It is not recommended to select more than one figure; however, if it is necessary to do so then the wording of the form should be changed to reflect the change from single case to plural case. For example, “figure” is changed to “figures”, “is” to “are” and “ No.” to “Nos.”.

When indicating the figure to be published, the applicant’s suggestion is found in Box No. IX of the request (Form PCT/RO/101). Where none of the figures is considered useful for the understanding of the abstract, this is indicated at the appropriate box (box 6b of the first sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210). When no drawings accompany the application, none of the boxes are checked. Otherwise, box 6a is checked and the reason for selecting the figure to be published is indicated, i.e., as suggested by the applicant, as selected by the examiner because either the applicant failed to suggest a figure in Box No. IX of Form PCT/RO/101 or the figure better characterizes the invention. It is not recommended to select more than one figure; however, if it is necessary to do so then the wording of the form should be changed to reflect the change from single case to plural case. For example, “figure” is changed to “figures”, “is” to “are” and “ No.” to “Nos.”.

In general, the examiner will have to establish a new abstract if the applicant did not provide an abstract or if the abstract does not comply with PCT Rule 8. In determining the definitive contents of the abstract, or establishing the text of the abstract anew where it is missing, the examiner should take into consideration the fact that the abstract is merely for use as technical information and, in particular, must not be used for the purpose of interpreting the scope of the protection sought. The abstract constitutes an efficient instrument for the purpose of assisting the scientist, engineer, or researcher in searching in the particular technical field and should in particular make it possible to assess whether there is need for consulting the international application itself. WIPO guidelines for the preparation of abstracts are found in WIPO Standard ST.12/A, which is available from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/standards/ en/part_03_standards.html).

In general, the examiner will have to establish a new abstract if the applicant did not provide an abstract or if the abstract does not comply with PCT Rule 8. In determining the definitive contents of the abstract, or establishing the text of the abstract anew where it is missing, the examiner should take into consideration the fact that the abstract is merely for use as technical information and, in particular, must not be used for the purpose of interpreting the scope of the protection sought. The abstract constitutes an efficient instrument for the purpose of assisting the scientist, engineer, or researcher in searching in the particular technical field and should in particular make it possible to assess whether there is need for consulting the international application itself. WIPO guidelines for the preparation of abstracts are found in WIPO Standard ST.12/A, which is available from WIPO’s website (www.wipo.int/standards/ en/part_03_standards.html).

Documents published on dates falling between the date of filing of the application being searched and the date of priority claimed, or the earliest priority if there is more than one (see PCT Article 2(xi)(b)), are denoted by the letter “P”. The letter “P” is also given to a document published on the very day of the earliest date of priority of the patent application under consideration. The document category “P” is always accompanied by a symbol indicating the relevance of the document, for example: “P,X”, “P,Y”, or “P,A”.

Documents published on dates falling between the date of filing of the application being searched and the date of priority claimed, or the earliest priority if there is more than one (see PCT Article 2(xi)(b)), are denoted by the letter “P”. The letter “P” is also given to a document published on the very day of the earliest date of priority of the patent application under consideration. The document category “P” is always accompanied by a symbol indicating the relevance of the document, for example: “P,X”, “P,Y”, or “P,A”.

Documents published on dates falling between the date of filing of the application being searched and the date of priority claimed, or the earliest priority if there is more than one (see PCT Article 2(xi)(b)), are denoted by the letter “P”. The letter “P” is also given to a document published on the very day of the earliest date of priority of the patent application under consideration. The document category “P” is always accompanied by a symbol indicating the relevance of the document, for example: “P,X”, “P,Y”, or “P,A”.

[Editor Note: This section discusses the July 2022 version of PCT/ISA/210. For international applications having an international filing date before July 1, 2022, information regarding form PCT/ISA/210 (revised January 2019) may be found in §1844.01 of the 10.2019 revision of the Ninth Edition of the MPEP published June 2020 at: www.uspto.gov/web/offices/pac/mpep/old/ mpep_E9R10.htm.]

Where the application discloses any nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence, box 1c of the first sheet is checked and Box No. I (appearing on “continuation of first sheet (1)”) indicates in items 1.a and 1.b whether the sequence listing was filed as part of the international application or subsequent to the international filing date for the purpose of international search and whether it was accompanied by the required statement to the effect that the sequence listing does not go beyond the disclosure in the international application as filed.

Any patent document bearing a filing or priority date earlier than the filing date of the application searched (not the priority date) but published on or later than that date and the content of which would constitute prior art relevant to novelty (PCT Article 33(2)) is indicated by the letter “E” (see PCT Administrative Instructions Section 507(b) and PCT Rule 33.1(c)).

An explanation of the separate inventions is entered in the appropriate area in Box No. III (see MPEP § 1850).

When indicating the figure to be published, the applicant’s suggestion is found in Box No. IX of the request (Form PCT/RO/101). Where none of the figures is considered useful for the understanding of the abstract, this is indicated at the appropriate box (box 6b of the first sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210). When no drawings accompany the application, none of the boxes are checked. Otherwise, box 6a is checked and the reason for selecting the figure to be published is indicated, i.e., as suggested by the applicant, as selected by the examiner because either the applicant failed to suggest a figure in Box No. IX of Form PCT/RO/101 or the figure better characterizes the invention. It is not recommended to select more than one figure; however, if it is necessary to do so then the wording of the form should be changed to reflect the change from single case to plural case. For example, “figure” is changed to “figures”, “is” to “are” and “ No.” to “Nos.”.

If the international application does not contain a title and the receiving Office has notified the International Searching Authority that it has invited the applicant to correct such defect, the International Searching Authority shall proceed with the international search unless and until it receives notification that the said application is considered withdrawn.

If the international application does not contain an abstract and the receiving Office has notified the International Searching Authority that it has invited the applicant to correct such defect, the International Searching Authority shall proceed with the international search unless and until it receives notification that the said application is considered withdrawn.

If the international application does not contain a title and the International Searching Authority has not received a notification from the receiving Office to the effect that the applicant has been invited to furnish a title, or if the said Authority finds that the title does not comply with Rule 4.3, it shall itself establish a title. Such title shall be established in the language in which the international application is to be published or, if a translation into another language was transmitted under Rule 23.1(b) and the International Searching Authority so wishes, in the language of that translation.

If the international application does not contain an abstract and the International Searching Authority has not received a notification from the receiving Office to the effect that the applicant has been invited to furnish an abstract, or if the said Authority finds that the abstract does not comply with Rule 8, it shall itself establish an abstract. Such abstract shall be established in the language in which the international application is to be published or, if a translation into another language was transmitted under Rule 23.1(b) and the International Searching Authority so wishes, in the language of that translation.

(a) The abstract shall consist of the following:

• (i) a summary of the disclosure as contained in the description, the claims, and any drawings; the summary shall indicate the technical field to which the invention pertains and shall be drafted in a way which allows the clear understanding of the technical problem, the gist of the solution of that problem through the invention, and the principal use or uses of the invention;
• (ii) where applicable, the chemical formula which, among all the formulae contained in the international application, best characterizes the invention.

Each citation should include a reference to the claims to which it relates (see PCT Administrative Instructions Section 508). If necessary, various relevant parts of the document cited should each be related to the claims in like manner (with the exception of “L” documents and “A” documents). It is also possible for the same document to represent a different category with respect to different claims. For example:

Where a document cited in the international search report is particularly relevant, it is indicated by the letters “X” or “Y”. Category “X” is applicable where a document is such that when taken alone, a claimed invention cannot be considered novel or where a document is such that when considered in light of common general knowledge, a claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step. Category “Y” is applicable where a document is such that a claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other documents of the same category, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art.

Where a document cited in the international search report is particularly relevant, it is indicated by the letters “X” or “Y”. Category “X” is applicable where a document is such that when taken alone, a claimed invention cannot be considered novel or where a document is such that when considered in light of common general knowledge, a claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step. Category “Y” is applicable where a document is such that a claimed invention cannot be considered to involve an inventive step when the document is combined with one or more other documents of the same category, such combination being obvious to a person skilled in the art.

The international application must contain an abstract and a title. The examiner considers the abstract (together with the title of the invention and the figure of the drawings to be published with the abstract) in relation to the requirements of the Regulations under the PCT. The examiner indicates approval or amendment of the title of the invention, the text of the abstract, and the selection of the figure that is to accompany the abstract in items 4 to 6 of the first sheet of the international search report.

The applicant may, until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the international search report, submit to the International Searching Authority: and the Authority shall decide whether to modify the abstract accordingly. Where the Authority modifies the abstract, it shall notify the modification to the International Bureau.

• (i) proposed modifications of the abstract; or
• (ii) where the abstract has been established by the Authority, proposed modifications of, or comments on, that abstract, or both modifications and comments;

The applicant may submit modifications of the abstract until the expiration of one month from the date of mailing of the search report. If the examiner establishes a new abstract, the applicant may propose modifications of, and/or comment on, the new abstract after it has been established in the international search report. The applicant is allowed one month from the date of mailing of the international search report to respond to the examiner’s abstract in the report. If the applicant does comment, the examiner takes the applicant’s comments into consideration. It is not necessary for the examiner to reply to the applicant’s comments even if adverse. If the examiner decides to amend the abstract established in the international search report based on the proposed modifications and/or comment, the International Bureau and the applicant are notified using Form PCT/ISA/205. See PCT Rule 38.3 and Administrative Instructions Section 515.

When indicating the figure to be published, the applicant’s suggestion is found in Box No. IX of the request (Form PCT/RO/101). Where none of the figures is considered useful for the understanding of the abstract, this is indicated at the appropriate box (box 6b of the first sheet of Form PCT/ISA/210). When no drawings accompany the application, none of the boxes are checked. Otherwise, box 6a is checked and the reason for selecting the figure to be published is indicated, i.e., as suggested by the applicant, as selected by the examiner because either the applicant failed to suggest a figure in Box No. IX of Form PCT/RO/101 or the figure better characterizes the invention. It is not recommended to select more than one figure; however, if it is necessary to do so then the wording of the form should be changed to reflect the change from single case to plural case. For example, “figure” is changed to “figures”, “is” to “are” and “ No.” to “Nos.”.

Where in the search report any document is cited for reasons other than those referred to in the foregoing paragraphs (in particular as evidence), for example:

• (A) a document which may throw doubt on a priority claim (Article 4(C)(4) of the Paris Convention), or
• (B) a document cited to establish the publication date of another citation,