International phase

A procedure consisting of four main steps:

(1) the filing of an international application and its processing by the receiving Office;

(2) the establishment of an international search report and a written opinion by the International Searching Authority;

(3) the international publication of the international application and related documents, as well as their communication to the designated and elected Offices; and

(4) an option of international preliminary examination, which concludes with the establishment of the international preliminary report on patentability (Chapter II of the PCT).