WARNING:

Although the information which follows was correct at the time of original publication in the PCT Newsletter, some information may no longer be applicable; for example, amendments may have been made to the PCT Regulations and Administrative Instructions, as well as to PCT Forms, since the PCT Newsletter concerned was published; changes to certain fees and references to certain publications may no longer be valid. Wherever there is a reference to a PCT Rule, please check carefully whether the Rule in force at the date of publication of the advice has since been amended.An advance electronic publication of the Locarno Classification 16th edition (LOC (16)) is now available on

LOCPUB.

Appointing agents before the International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority

The Download and IT support area has also been updated to include LOC (16).

Note that the Locarno Classification 16th edition will enter into force on 1 January 2027.

A: It is recalled that, under PCT Rule 83.1bis(a), in order to be able to represent the applicant before RO/IB, the agent must have the right to practice before the national (or regional) Office of, or acting for, a Contracting State of which the applicant is a resident or national. It is unlikely that your firm of patent attorneys would be entitled to represent the applicant unless there is somebody who is a patent attorney or patent agent registered before the Office concerned (see under the relevant receiving Office in the PCT Applicant’s Guide, Receiving Offices, Annex C) (www.wipo.int/pct/guide/en/index.html), and so if the applicant is going to appoint an agent, it must be one who fulfils that requirement.