C. PCT 1372 February 20, 2013

Madam,

Sir,

Proposed modifications to the PCT Receiving Office Guidelines

This Circular is addressed to your Office in its capacity as Receiving Office (RO) for the purpose of consultation on proposed modifications to the PCT Receiving Office Guidelines (ROGLs). It is also addressed to certain non-governmental organizations representing users of the PCT system.

At the Fifth Session of the PCT Working Group, held in Geneva from May 29 to

June 1, 2012, it was agreed that the International Bureau would consult with Offices on

proposed modifications to the ROGLs dealing with the restoration of the right of priority under PCT Rule 26bis .3 (see documents PCT/WG/5/13, paragraph 29(d) and PCT/WG/5/22 Rev., paragraph 302). The proposed modifications provide detailed guidance to Offices on how to process incoming requests for restoration of the right of priority as well as on the

interpretations of the “due care” and “unintentional” criteria.

The paragraphs of the ROGLs which are proposed to be modified are set out in the Annex to this Circular.

Comments on the proposed modifications to ROGLs

You are invited to provide comments, if any, to the International Bureau by March 31, 2013, preferably by e-mail to: pct.legal@wipo.int .

Yours sincerely,

James Pooley

Deputy Director General

Enclosure: Annex – Proposed modified paragraphs of the ROGLs