INTERNATIONAL TREATIES
PCT
Specification of the EPO as an International Searching Authority by the US PATENT AND TRADEMARK OFFICE
With effect from 1 October 1982 the Patent and Trademark Office of the United States of America (USPTO) has specified the European Patent Office as an International Searching Authority in addition to the USPTO pursuant to Article 16(2) PCT. International applicants who are US residents or nationals can therefore request that the international search on international applications filed with the USPTO as Receiving Office as from 1 October 1982 be carried out by the EPO. Applicants using this option have to pay to the USPTO the equivalent of the EPO fee for the international search fixed by the Director General of WIPO at US $ 710 (see Rule 16 PCT).
If the international search report has been drawn up by the EPO, no supplementary European search report will be drawn up and no search fee charged in the regional phase before the EPO as designated Office (see Decision of the Administrative Council of 21 December 1978, OJ 1/1979, p. 4).