Chapter XI – The written opinion
6. The written opinion in cases of a restriction of the search
The extent of the search as well as the reasons for the restriction will in many cases only be indicated in the WO‑ISA. See GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3.5, for details of whether an indication under Art. 17 should be made in the ISR or only in the WO‑ISA. The opinion given is then normally restricted to what has actually been searched.
Any argumentation and objections presented in the written opinion must be consistent with the restrictions of the search and the reasons therefor. See also GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 2, GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3 and GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 3.1.