3.2 Number of independent claims 

The PCT has no provision equivalent to Rule 43(2) EPC. However, plural independent claims in one category which comply with the requirement of unity of invention (see GL/PCT‑EPO F‑V, 1) may be objected to under Art. 6 if they result in a lack of clarity and conciseness (see also GL/PCT‑EPO B‑VIII, 4).

When assessing whether to raise an objection of lack of clarity or conciseness for such claims, the examiner will take examples (i) to (iv) in GL/EPO F‑IV, 3.2 into account.