What is the agreement between the USPTO and the International Bureau regarding preliminary examination?

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Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based) BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27 10 Rules 5 Related FAQs 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 United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) has an agreement with the International Bureau (IB) to serve as an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA). According to MPEP 1862 : “An agreement was concluded between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the International Bureau under which the USPTO agreed to serve as an International Preliminary Examining Authority for those applications filed in the USPTO as a Receiving Office and for those international applications filed in other receiving Offices for which the USPTO has served as an International Searching Authority.” This agreement is based on several PCT Articles and Rules, including: PCT Articles 32(2) & (3) PCT Article 34(1) PCT Rules 59.1, 63.1, 72.1, and 77.1(a) The full text of the agreement is available on the WIPO website . Related Rules from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure 10 rules Collapse Agreement With the International Bureau Requirement MPEP 1862 Agreement With the International Bureau Required for Examining Authority MPEP 1862 Specify Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority MPEP 1862 Required Procedure Before International Preliminary Examining Authority Governed by Treaty and Regulations MPEP 1862 Required Provisions Apply to International Preliminary Examining Authorities MPEP 1862 Required Functions of International Preliminary Examining Authority MPEP 1862 Requirement for Agreement with International Bureau to Serve as an International Preliminary Examining Authority MPEP 1862 International Preliminary Examination Must Be Conducted by the International Preliminary Examining Authority MPEP 1862 Required U.S. Patent Office Acts as International Preliminar...