When can an applicant request a Supplementary International Search?
An applicant can request a Supplementary International Search (SIS) at any time before the expiration of 22 months from the priority date of the international application. This is specified in PCT Rule 45bis.1(a), which states:
The applicant may, at any time prior to the expiration of 22 months from the priority date, request that a supplementary international search be carried out in respect of the international application by an International Searching Authority that is competent to do so under Rule 45bis.9.
It’s important to note that if the request is received after this time limit, it will be considered not to have been submitted, and there are no provisions to extend this time limit.
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