What are the major functions of the International Preliminary Examining Authority?

The International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) has several key functions in the patent examination process under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). According to 37 CFR 1.416(c) in MPEP 1862, the major functions include: Receiving and checking for defects in the Demand Forwarding Demands in accordance with PCT Rule 59.3 Collecting fees (handling fee for the…

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