IPA patent 6.1.2.2-introduction-to-international-examination — IP Australia Patent Manual of Practice and Procedure – 6.1.2.2 Overview - International Search Opinion (ISO)

Also in this Chapter: 6.1.2.1 Overview - International Searching 6.1.2.3 General Procedures - International Search and Opinion 6.1.2.4 Extent of Search 6.1.2.5 Minimum Documentation 6.1.2.6 Examination Section Procedures 6.1.2.7 Searching Examiner 6.1.2.8 Other Considerations 6.1.2.9 Copending Applications The examiner will prepare the written opinion, International Search Opinion (ISO), of the International Search Authority following 6.1.1 Procedural Outline - PCT International Search . The ISO is carried out using the same criteria as in the international preliminary examination by the International Preliminary Examination Authority (IPEA). If the applicant does not demand international preliminary examination, the International Bureau (IB) will convert the ISO to an ‘International Preliminary Report on Patentability (Chapter I)’ (IPRPI). For many PCT contracting States who do not have an examining capability, the IPRPI serves as the only examination report for the particular application. Therefore, the ISO serves an important role and the examination must be of a high standard.