2.8.1 Early processing combined with further acceleration measures

A request for early processing does not automatically lead to accelerated prosecution under the PACE programme. Applicants who also want to request such accelerated prosecution of their application in the European phase must therefore submit a separate online request under the PACE programme upon entry into the European phase or later (see E‑VIII, 4 for further details).

Moreover, the EPO will have to respect the six-month time limit provided for in Rules 161 and 162 and will therefore not start supplementary European search or examination before expiry of that time limit. Applicants interested in accelerating the proceedings may therefore consider waiving their right to the communication pursuant to Rules 161 and 162, which they can do by selecting the corresponding checkbox on EPO Form 1200.

This waiver will be effective and no communication under Rules 161 and 162 issued only if the applicants have taken all steps required to make its issue superfluous (see E‑IX, 3.1 and E‑IX, 3.2 for further details).