On publication of the preview version, the EPO also published a consultation on these latest Guidelines, which was open until 15 April 2022.

The EPC Guidelines (Guidelines for Examination in the European Patent Office) and the PCT-EPO Guidelines (Guidelines for Search and Examination at the European Patent Office as PCT Authority) set out the practices and procedures to be followed in the examination of European and international applications and patents in accordance with the European Patent Convention (EPC), the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and their Implementing Regulations.

The EPO says that the Guidelines are a vital resource for illustrating the law and practice in proceedings before the EPO and are widely consulted by external parties. They are revised annually to keep them aligned with the latest legal and procedural developments.

To access the Guidelines, click here.