This page supports further exchanges of opinions, discussions and proposals with regards to proposed modification of the Administrative Instructions under the PCT (“the Administrative Instruction”), before reaching any possible proposal to be submitted before the upcoming PCT Working Group currently scheduled in October 2022. For your reference, Circular C. PCT 1625, dated June 15, 2021 can be seen in the link below.
https://www.wipo.int/export/sites/www/pct/en/circulars/2021/1625.pdf
The above circular suggested to introduce a broader definition of what constitutes a signature in Section 102bis "Signature on Paper Documents" which reads: "A signature provided on a paper document shall be handwritten, printed, typed or stamped." While most responses to the Circular supported the introduction of a new definition in the Administrative Instructions, several offices raised concerns and/or suggested counter proposals.
By exchanging views via this PCT Working Group wiki, it is envisaged to find an optimal "one definition" of the signature types which will be applied by any International Authorities during all the International Phases of the PCT procedure as a formality requirement.
Points to be discussed:
The below three points need further discussions. To review the summary and continue discussions, please click each discussion point (sub page) on the left side space linked to this page and post your comments (see "How to view each discussion point" below).
- The practical necessity of introducing a new definition ("Practical Necessity").
- Definitions and more detailed descriptions of each type of signature "print", "typed" and "stamped" ("Definitions and Descriptions").
- Other proposals addressed in response to the above Circular ("Other Proposals").
How to view each discussion point: Go top right of the page and click the topic under Section Index.
Alternatively, click a sub-page in the left sidebar.
