International Preliminary Examining Report IPER

The applicant may additionally ask for an international preliminary examination report (IPER). This report gives a preliminary, nonbinding opinion on the patentability of the claimed invention. On the basis of the international preliminary examination report, the applicant can once again evaluate the chances of his invention being patented. The applicant is entitled to amend the international application during the international preliminary examination. He might for example... 

International Phase The PCT filing results in an International Search and the issuance of an International Search Report, a Written Opinion (which comments on the three aspects of patentability (novelty, obviousness and utility) as they apply to the claims, and possibly comments on other matters as well), and an International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER). WIPO will also publish the patent application 18 months after the priority date. The designation WO... in the upper right hand of what many call a patent actually indicates that the document is only a published PCT patent application, not a patent. The PCT patent application is itself never prosecuted to allowance. The filing allows an applicant to defer further action (and... 

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