What are the main sections of the International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER)?
The International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER) consists of several main sections as outlined in MPEP 1879:
- Cover sheet (Form PCT/IPEA/409): Contains bibliographic data and classifications.
- Basis of the report: Indicates which documents form the basis for the examination.
- Box No. I: States whether the report has been established.
- Box No. II: Contains any observations on the application’s priority.
- Box No. III: Addresses non-establishment of opinion for certain claims.
- Box No. IV: Addresses lack of unity of invention.
- Box No. V: Contains the reasoned statement with regard to novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
- Box No. VI: Lists certain documents cited.
- Box No. VII: Contains certain defects in the international application.
- Box No. VIII: Contains certain observations on the international application.
The MPEP states: “The examiner must complete the first sheet of the PCT/IPEA/409 by filling in boxes I to VIII. The examiner must indicate in Box No. I whether or not the report was established on the basis of the international application in the language in which it was filed.”
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