44.3

(a)  The request referred to in Article 20(3) may be presented any time during 7 years from the international filing date of the international application to which the international search report relates.

(b)  The International Searching Authority may require that the party (applicant or designated Office) presenting the request pay to it the cost of preparing and mailing the copies. The level of the cost of preparing copies shall be provided for in the agreements referred to in Article 16(3)(b) between the International Searching Authorities and the International Bureau.

(c)  [Vervallen.]

(d)  Any International Searching Authority may perform the obligations referred to in paragraphs (a) and (b) through another agency responsible to it.