End of COVID-19-related RO/IB extended period for considering PCT applications as withdrawn for failure to pay fees

July 3, 2020

In its announcement published on April 9, 2020, the International Bureau of WIPO, in its role as Receiving Office (RO/IB), indicated that it would defer the issuance of notifications declaring international applications as considered withdrawn for having failed to pay the appropriate fees within the prescribed time limit (Form PCT/RO/117) until May 31, 2020. This action was taken as a measure to assist PCT applicants whose financial situations may have been impacted by the effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.

In its further announcement published on May 27, 2020, the RO/IB stated that it would further extend that period until June 30, 2020.

While continuing to apply PCT Rule 82quater.1 to extend certain PCT time limits when requested (as indicated in the April 9 announcement), the RO/IB has decided to restart the issuance of Form PCT/RO/117 for failure to pay the required PCT fees as of July 1, 2020.  The RO/IB will nevertheless continue to waive the payment of any applicable late payment fees under PCT Rule 16bis.2 until further notice.

[Signed by Francis Gurry
Director General
June 30, 2020]​