What is a Supplementary International Search (SIS)?
A Supplementary International Search (SIS) is an optional service in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) process that allows additional searches to be performed by a Supplementary International Searching Authority (SISA) during the international phase, in addition to the search performed by the main International Searching Authority (ISA).
According to the MPEP, Requesting supplementary international search reduces the risk of new prior art being cited in the national phase.
This is particularly useful because The increasing diversity of prior art in different languages and different technical fields means that the Authority carrying out the main international search is not always capable of discovering all of the relevant prior art.
To learn more: