1. Procedure prior to searching 

Upon creation of a European search report, a European search opinion or a clarification request under Rule 62a and/or Rule 63(1), a pre-search algorithm generating a list of documents to be inspected by the search division is triggered. This creates a marker which serves as evidence in the file that the search division has started the search. The date of the start of the search is relevant for a possible refund of the search fee in case the application is withdrawn, refused or deemed to be withdrawn (see A‑X, 10.2.1).