What is the Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority?
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 Written Opinion of the International Searching Authority is a document established by an examiner alongside the international search report. It provides an assessment of the claimed invention’s novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability. As stated in MPEP 1845:
“The examiner is required, in most instances, to establish a written opinion on novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability of the claimed invention at the same time he/she establishes the international search report.”
This opinion serves to inform both the International Preliminary Examining Authority and designated Offices about relevant documents and arguments for patent examination.