What is the format of an international publication number?
The international publication number for PCT applications follows a specific format, as described in PCT Administrative Instructions Section 404:
- It starts with the two-letter code “WO”
- Followed by a four-digit year of publication
- A slant (/)
- A six-digit serial number
For example: “WO 2004/123456”
This number is different from the international application number and is used on the published international application and in the Gazette entry.
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