What languages are used for the international preliminary examination report?

Source: FAQ (MPEP-Based)BlueIron Update: 2024-09-27

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 international preliminary examination report is established in one of the following languages: Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian, or Spanish. This is based on the language in which the international application was filed or translated.

As stated in MPEP 1879.03:

“The written opinion established by the International Searching Authority and the international preliminary examination report and any annexes are established in Arabic, Chinese, English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese, Russian or Spanish, if the international application was filed in one of those languages or translated into one of those languages.”

This rule ensures that the report is accessible to a wide range of patent offices and applicants.

Tags: international preliminary examination report, Patent Translation, pct languages