One of the PCT databases I use most often is PatentScope, available through the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) database (search link below) as it includes documents such as written opinions of the International Search Authority, international preliminary report on patentability (Chapter I), published copies of PCT applications (with and without international search reports), and priority documents when then become publicly available. Late last month, WIPO announced that has expanded the types of documents made available through PatentScope to now include an applicant’s informal comments on the written opinion of the international search authority. According to WIPO (announcement link below), the informal comments “are now available … for any PCT international applications filed on or after January 2004,” noting further that “these documents are only available after 30 months from the first priority date.” A sample is also made available via hyperlink from the WIPO announcement. For those of you who do not already know, PatentScope is an ever-growing digital library of well over one million PCT applications, allowing a user to search based on a number of parameters including publication number, application number, publication date, applicant name, inventor name, description, and claims, to name a few of the 29 total different search parameters.

PatentScope Search Link: LINK
PatentScope Digital Library Contents: LINK
WIPO Announcement: LINK