This is the electronic forum of the PCT Working Group.
The forum provides a platform for all stakeholders (Member States, Offices, applicants and any other interested party) to propose and discuss ideas for improving the functioning of the PCT system. The forum is divided into two main areas:
- Current discussions - an area to present, discuss and comment on issues related to the PCT. Discussion topics will generally be posted by the International Bureau, who will closely follow subsequent discussions and make suggestions if necessary. Anyone interested in introducing a new discussion topic should first contact the International Bureau.
- Ideas for Improvement - an area to make suggestions on how to improve the functioning of the PCT system (the International Bureau will monitor this area, but will not necessarily comment on suggestions made).
The forum aims to facilitate the process of improving the PCT system to be as effective as possible for all stakeholders. Access to the forum is consequently provided as follows:
- the forum is freely open for anyone to view;
- anyone is welcome to make comments on the forum, but you first need to contact the International Bureau to obtain access to post the comments, or for the International Bureau to post them on your behalf.
Comments may be made in any language, but usually no translations will be made. Comments will therefore be most effective in being understood and taken into account by the International Bureau if made in English or French.
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Dear colleagues,
Patent Office of Republic of Bulgaria has the following comments:
With regard to the discussed topic of signatures on paper documents, our Office does not find any legal obstacles to the introduction of Section 102bis in the PCT Administrative Regulations, regulating signing because the Patent Office of Republic of Bulgaria works as Receiving Office for PCT applications with national form accompanied by form PCT/RO/101 for filing PCT applications.
With regard to the text of Section 102bis, Signature on paper documents, introducing the provision: "The signature on a paper document must be handwritten, printed, typed or stamped", we support the proposal as it gives greater clarity, facilitation and transparency, which has many positive effects for applicants and IP offices performing PCT functions. Additionally , the terms "printed signature" and "stamped signature", are clearly understood for our point of view and could be retained if no other better proposal are not provided . In fact, it would be appropriate introduction of clarifying text, for each of the terms “printed, typed or stamped”, such as if the printed qualified electronic signature is considered to fall within the scope of one or both of the terms printed and typed.
