1.12 General power of attorney

A "general power of attorney" is a separate power of attorney appointing an agent to represent an applicant in relation to any international application which they may file. Generally, for such appointment to be effective:

–reference must be made in the PCT request, the PCT demand or a separate notice to the general power of attorney;

–the general power of attorney must be deposited with the receiving Office or, in the case of appointment specifically before the ISA, SISA or IPEA, with that Authority;

–a copy of the general power of attorney must be attached to the PCT request, the PCT demand or the separate notice, as the case may be.

However, the EPO in its capacity as receiving Office, ISA, SISA and IPEA has waived the requirement under Rule 90.5(a)(ii) that a copy of a general power of attorney be attached to the PCT request, the PCT demand or a separate notice (see GL/PCT‑EPO A‑VIII, 1.13).