What are the main sections of the International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER)?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

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.”