What is the purpose of Form PCT/ISA/237?

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.

Form PCT/ISA/237 is used for preparing the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority. The Written Opinion provides an initial, non-binding opinion on the patentability of the claimed invention. As stated in the MPEP, Box No. V is the main purpose of the written opinion. All claims without fatal defects are treated on the merits in Box No. V as to novelty, inventive step (nonobviousness) and industrial applicability.