What is the mode of handling applications under PCT?
Each contracting state designates a patent office or any other office for receiving patent applications. This office is called a ‘Receiving Office’. The Receiving Office passes on the received applications to WIPO for administrative actions. Thereafter, these are referred to International Search Authorities to carry out patent search on a global basis. ISAs are normally the patent offices appointed specially for the purpose. However, in cases where the Receiving Office is also an ISA, the need for separate reference is obviated. In addition, there also exists the provision for patent applications to be examined by the International Preliminary Examining Authorities (IPEA), which in many cases are ISAs. It takes sixteen months after the priority date for an applicant/inventor to receive the search report. Priority date, in fact, is nothing but the date on which the application is submitted in the receiving office. Both, the application as well as the search report are published by the W
