4. Search report 

The search report contains the results of the search and, in particular, identifies the documents forming the relevant state of the art (see B‑X, 9).

It informs the applicant, the EPO examining divisions and ‒ once published ‒ the public of the relevant state of the art.

It is accompanied by a search opinion (see B‑XI; except in the cases mentioned in B‑XI, 7) and, together, they make up the extended European search report (EESR).