ePCT

Ann Bardini

PCT Business Development Division

PCT Communications before ePCT(an approximation)

IB file store

ISA file storeRO file store

applicant

record copies+many forms

(mainly) search copies

reports andstatus updates

e-filing

subsequentcorrespondence

reports andqueries

various correspondence

Single Common Web Interface (ePCT)

Applicant

RO

ISA/IPEA

SingleCommon

Web Interface

Electronic routing of documents and databetween Offices (EDI,Trinet, web interfaces, etc)

ePCT Overview

ePCT is WIPO‘s online portal that provides PCT services for both applicants and OfficesMay 2011: ePCT first used by small pilot group of applicants for private file inspection of IAs e-filed at RO/IB with WIPO certificates. 2012: additional features, such as interactive online ‘Actions’ enabling applicants to interact with their applications2013 Q2: Launch of ePCT-Filing in production for closed pilot group at RO/IB2013 Q4: Extend ePCT-Filing to other ROs with existing e-filing servers 2014: Host e-filing for other ROs without e-filing servers.

ePCT – Basic FeaturesSecure management of access rights (eOwner, eEditor, eViewer), including before publication

View content (documents + most up-to-date bib data), processing status, publication front page preview

Upload electronic documents

File new international applications (IB’s validation engine)

Online Actions: interaction with your file, e.g. Rule 92bis requests, request to withdraw IA, prepare Chapter II Demand, etc.

Timeline and reminder notifications

History of actions at both IA and user level

Advanced search/filter

ePCT – AdvantagesReduction of mailing and processing delays (potentially more A1 publications)Data used directly without transcription reduces risk of errors (potentially less republications)Introduces entirely new information, eg. Third party observationsIncreasing exchange of more interactive machine-readable information instead of paper/imagesE-mail warnings for approaching deadlines, e.g., 30 month time limit expires in 1 monthPCT timeline feature - visual aid to monitor important PCT time Real-time look-up in DAS

ePCT-Filing (currently in pilot phase)

Reference data is always the latest – no updates to install

Allows all data checks conducted by IB downstream to be made at time of preparation of the IA for filing

Potential problems in PDF files are detected (such as color and greyscale drawings) - applicant offered a preview of how the documents will be rendered for processing

Person creating a new international application can share access to it for viewing or editing by other users before it is filed

ePCT for Offices

Initial functionality available for receiving Offices and International Authorities:

Upload electronic documents directly into the IB’s processing system

Transmit Record Copies of international applications filed in PCT-EASY or paper mode

Transmit Priority documents to the IB

Online ‘Actions’ - submit updates of bibliographic data relating to events in the life cycle of an international application, e.g., withdraw IA, withdraw priority claims

Other PCT updates

Written opinion of the ISA will be made publicly available at time of international publication

Translation into English available at 30 months when IPRP1 is issued

Pending approval by the PCT Assembly

Transitional arrangements under consultation (may apply for international applications filed on or after 1 July 2014)

Live ePCT Demo

ePCT Workbench

ePCT Action – 92bis request

ePCT Action – Chapter II Demand

ePCT - Upload Documents

ePCT - Preview Publication Front Page