When can you amend an international application?

The correct choice reflects the procedural requirements set forth in the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) regarding the amendment of international applications. Specifically, amendments to an international application must be made by the time the applicant responds to the Written Opinion or International Search Report. This allows applicants the opportunity to address any issues identified by the International Searching Authority before the application enters the national phase.

Amendments can enhance the chances of the application successfully proceeding by ensuring it meets the necessary criteria for patentability. Therefore, adhering to the Written Opinion deadline is crucial, as it provides a structured timeline for applicants to consider and incorporate feedback before the application progresses further in the patenting process.

The other options do not align with the rules governing amendments in international applications. For example, while an applicant may certainly consider their application before filing, they cannot amend an international application anytime prior to filing because amendments can only be officially recognized from the point of filing onward. Similarly, while amendments can be made after a rejection, this is not the only time they are permitted. Finally, stating that amendments are made solely at the discretion of the applicant does not capture the specific procedural timelines that govern when amendments can take place, such as the crucial deadline related to the Written Opinion.