Since 1978, patent examination in the United Kingdom has been bifurcated with a search being carried out first and then, if the applicant so requests, substantive examination being carried out subsequently. However, with effect from July 3, 1995, applicants may opt to have the search and examination carried out simultaneously if they file a request for examination at the same time as the search is requested (in Convention applications, this is normally done at the same time as the application is filed).