What is the role of the International Bureau in the PCT election process?
The International Bureau (IB) plays a crucial role in the PCT election process, as outlined in MPEP 1881. Its main responsibilities include:
- Notifying elected Offices of the demand and elections
- Sending the notification to elected Offices along with the Article 20 communication
- Promptly notifying elections made after the initial communication
- Informing the applicant in writing about the notification and the elected Offices notified
- Facilitating early communication to elected Offices upon request
The MPEP states: “The notification provided for in Article 31(7) shall be effected by the International Bureau.” This emphasizes the IB’s central role in managing and distributing information related to PCT elections.
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