1.2 Euro-PCT applications 

For applications filed via the PCT route (Euro-PCT application), the six-month period under Rule 70(1) begins with the publication of the PCT search report or the declaration under Art. 17(2)(a) PCT. However, as is laid down in Art. 150(2), the time limit for requesting examination in of a Euro-PCT case application does not expire before the time prescribed in Art. 22 PCT and Art. 39 PCT (i.e. not before the time limit of Rule 159(1)(f)). The time limit will not be affected by whether a supplementary European search pursuant to Art. 153(7) needs to be made or whether the international application is again published by the EPO pursuant to Art. 153(4).

If the request for examination of a Euro-PCT application has not been filed within the time limit, the application is deemed withdrawn under Rule 160(1). In such a case, however, the applicant can file a request for further processing pursuant to Art. 121 (see E‑VIII, 2).

Where the Euro-PCT application is subject to the preparation of a supplementary European search report (see B‑II, 4.3), once this report has been dispatched, a communication under Rule 70(2) is sent to the applicant inviting them to confirm the request for examination within six months of that communication's notification (see E‑IX, 2.5.3).