4.5 International-type searches 

Under the PCT, the EPO, as an ISA, may be entrusted with carrying out "international-type searches" for national patent applications (Art. 15(5) PCT). These searches are by definition similar to international searches, and the same considerations apply, except where the national application searched is found to lack unity of invention, in which case no reasoned statement on this finding is included in the search report and no invitation to pay further search fees is issued. However, it may be possible for applicants to pay these fees directly to the national offices. Where a written opinion is issued, it is drafted in accordance with EPO practice under PCT Chapter I and does include a reasoned statement on any potential lack-of-unity objection.