Don't print WIPO Applicant's Guide for EQE 2022 - 2150 pages!

Every year, WIPO produces a printable version of the complete PCT Applicants Guide, including annexes for 154 States, specifically for the Pre- and Main Exams. Their 31 Oct 2021 version can be found here. It is 2150 pages and much of it will never be required at the exam. 

Providing a digital version has a low priority for EQE 2022, with resources being concentrated on improving the WISEflow exam interface. As noted in a recent post, online access will only be available to the www.epo.org domain during the exam. NO DIGITAL COPIES of other references will be available, and NO ONLINE ACCESS to other websites will be available. You also CANNOT OPEN any documents on your computer during the exam, so you will still need these PCT details on paper.

For many years, I have been making a cut-down PCT Global Reference to lighten the load and to save a few trees. Based on the syllabus, the Regulations, past papers and comments from Examination Committees, I have limited it to "only" 900 pages. There are also a lot of useful overviews from the WIPO/EPO website that WIPO did not include, so I have added about 300 extra pages, for a net saving of 850 pages. 

The latest edition is now available in two parts, and the links are here with my other study materials. The downloadable version is expected in Jan 2022. There will be two versions of the PCT Global Reference (31 Oct 2021):

• Two 16x23cm books (Part 1 & 2) for ordering. Both parts must be added separately to the basket. They comprise 1300 pages. After printing on thin bible paper, they weigh 1200g together, and are usually delivered in 10-14 days.
• Two A4 files (Part 1 & 2) for download. They comprise 1300 pages and are provided free of charge for own printing. Please distribute to anyone who wants to use them for any non-commercial and unmodified use.

New this year is that I have taken out some of the EPO-specific materials to make room for more coverage of the most frequently used RO's and DO/EO's, and more Practical Advices. These EPO-specific materials have been added to the separate EPO as a PCT Authority book which has been updated to the 31 Oct 21 status. 

The National Law & Validation book will no longer be produced. Access to www.epo.org during the exam will be available through External References, and online is the quickest way to find the required up-to-date National Law details. I have also moved Validation details to the separate EPO as a PCT Authority book which has been updated to the 31 Oct 21 status.

Hopefully, a digital version will be available for EQE 2023, or the syllabus will be officially limited to reduce the number of States that could be asked about.