When must the International Preliminary Examination Report be established?
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 MPEP states that the International Preliminary Examination Report must be established within specific time limits. Specifically, “To meet the 28-month date for establishing the report, Office practice is to complete internal processing by 27 months from the priority date in order to provide adequate time for reviewing, final processing and mailing.” This timeline ensures that the applicant receives the report at least 2 months before national processing at the elected Offices may start, allowing time for consideration and necessary actions.