Samenvatting
This book is suitable as a desktop reference for everyday use by attorneys & administrators. However, always double check the status with latest WIPO resources and national patent offices before relying on the information presented.
It is recommended for EQE (European Qualifying Exam) candidates because EPO-PCT Guidelines (GL/PCT-EPO) contains many references to AI, RO GL, & ISPE GL Guidelines.
For answering questions at the EQE, AG-IP and AG-NP will help with the general part and some details. Answers should be supported with citations of PCT Articles, Rules and EPO-PCT Guidelines (REE A.12 and IPREE R.2 & R.22).
These Guidelines will be in force on 31 Oct 2021, so they will be the official ones for EQE 2022
For more details, including sample pages, see: fireballpatents.com/study-materials/complete-pct-ag
** New: There were very few legal changes in 2021, so many references from 2020 are still valid. PCT states overviews have been combined into one main overview, Requirements for Biological Deposits (Ann. L) have been added, our legal citation index
is included for AG-NP, the ISPE-GL's have been updated to the 1 Jul 21 version, and a color overview of the procedure is provided on the cover.
It is printed on thin (60g) paper, with dimensions: 160mm x 230mm x 27mm - 756 pages - 740 g. It does not include PCT Articles and Rules, or any EPO Guidelines.
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Many applicants and administrators rely on the "Introduction" parts of the WIPO
Applicant's Guide as main references to answer day-to-day questions. However,
many users are unaware of a second level of documentation, providing much
more detail about how the Authorities operate, how they handle less-common
situations, and how they communicate with applicants.
This book contains both main and supplementary references:
● PCT States, Treaty Memberships, Fees and Reservations - 1 Sep 21
● Introduction to International Phase (AG-IP or PCT AG I) - 1 Jul 20
Requirements and actions before the International Authorities from the applicant’s
point of view
● Administrative Instructions (AI) - 1 Jul 20
Referenced in PCT Rules, detailing how Authorities should apply the Rules
● Overview of Applicant & Office Forms - 1 Sep 21
Annex F (Electronic Filing / Processing Standard) and the contents of the
Forms are not included
● RO Guidelines (RO GL or GL/RO) - 1 Jul 20
Recommended actions & steps to be followed by RO’s. The information is
mainly procedural.
● ISA/IPEA Guidelines (ISPE GL or GL/ISPE) - 1 Jul 21
Recommended actions & steps to be followed by ISA’s & IPEA’s. Substantive
subjects such unity of invention and patentability are explained, with useful
examples.
● Introduction to National Phase (AG-NP or PCT AG N) - 6 Aug 20
Requirements and actions before the Designated / Elected Offices from the
applicant’s point of view
The standard contents lists have been replaced by our "Detailed Table of
Contents", with abbreviated titles, page numbers and indications of sections
with a major change in the last 3 years. This provides a convenient overview,
and helps to find information quickly.