What is the significance of Box No. V in Form PCT/IPEA/408?

Box No. V in Form PCT/IPEA/408 is a crucial part of the written opinion of the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA). According to the MPEP:

In Box No. V, the examiner must list in summary form all claims with regard to the criteria of novelty (N), inventive step (IS), and industrial applicability (IA), and should be filled out in accordance with the instructions for Box No. V of Form PCT/ISA/237 provided in MPEP § 1845.01.

This box provides a concise evaluation of the claims in relation to the key patentability criteria. The MPEP further states:

Prior art discovered in a search and applied in a reasoned statement in Box No. V must be made of record in Box No. V. Prior art already cited on the international search report need not again be cited on the written opinion or international preliminary examination report.

This ensures that all relevant prior art is properly documented and considered in the examination process.

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Tags: box no. v, form pct/ipea/408, industrial applicability, Inventive Step, novelty