3.3.1 Informal clarification by telephone

In view of the short time limits in the PCT, a telephone consultation, for which minutes must be written, may be more appropriate. If the issues at stake can be clarified during the telephone consultation, no time limit will be given. If not, the short time limit referred to in GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3.3 will be set. In the former case, the examiner will send the minutes of the consultation for information and will prepare the ISR and WO-ISA taking the result of the consultation into account. In the latter case, the examiner will send minutes setting the time limit, and wait for this time limit to expire before preparing the ISR and WO-ISA. They will take into consideration any on-time reply received from the applicant.

Where the applicant is registered for the EPO Mailbox service and/or PCT Link, the minutes will be sent to the Mailbox. Where the applicant is not so registered and the minutes set a time limit for reply, they are sent by regular mail and an email is also sent to the applicant to inform them accordingly. If an email address for the applicant is not available, the EPO acting as ISA may contact them by telephone to request one. Only if one is provided will an email be sent. Where the applicant is not registered for the EPO Mailbox service and/or PCT Link and the minutes do not set a time limit for reply, the minutes are sent by regular mail and no email is sent.