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…
Read MoreWhat is the nature of the international preliminary examination report issued by the IPEA?
The international preliminary examination report issued by the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) has a specific nature and purpose in the patent examination process. According to 37 CFR 1.416(c)(6) in MPEP 1862, the report is described as: “a nonbinding opinion on the questions whether the claimed invention appears to be novel, to involve inventive step…
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