5.3 Exceptions 

The PCT, unlike the EPC, does not explicitly exclude carrying out an international search or an international preliminary examination on specific subject-matter related to biotechnological inventions. However, under the Agreement between the EPO and WIPO these fall within the EPO's discretion to exclude matter which would be excluded under Art. 53 EPC. Generally, no search or preliminary examination is carried out on such matter by the EPO as ISA/IPEA. Section GL/EPO G‑II, 5.3, in the Guidelines for Examination in the EPO applies mutatis mutandis.