EPO extends Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme with IP Australia
With effect from 1 July 2019, the European Patent Office (EPO) will be extending its PPH pilot programme with IP Australia, thus enabling applicants at both offices to continue obtaining patents more quickly and efficiently.
The PPH pilot programme is being extended for three years until 30 June 2022, and the current conditions and requirements for participation will continue to apply.
The trial with Australia was initially launched in July 2016.
The EPO's PPH portfolio
In addition to this programme, the EPO has operational PPH pilot programmes with the IP5 offices (the grouping of the world's five largest IP offices, made up of the EPO and the patent offices of China, Japan, Korea, and the US), as well as with the national patent offices of Brazil, Canada, Colombia, Israel, Malaysia, Mexico, the Philippines, Russia, Singapore and the Eurasian Patent Office.
Further information
- Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme between the European Patent Office and IP Australia based on PCT and national work products (EPO Official Journal, June 2019)
Related items
Bilateral agreement marks a new milestone in long-standing partnership
Flags flown at half-mast in Munich and The Hague
More than 18 000 requests for validation since the signing of the agreement between the European Patent Organisation and Morocco
EPO concludes Memorandum of Understanding with Ministry and launches Patent Prosecution Highway pilot
Co-operation with national patent offices and stakeholders: milestones to date and next steps
17.2 million patents in force worldwide – 91% are valid in one of the IP5 jurisdictions
First country in the Americas to sign validation agreement with the EPO
The agreement allows for fee reductions for small entities and fast, high-quality search reports for national applications.
Discussions on European innovation policies and the Unitary Patent
Updates on Unitary Patent, sustainability and patent law harmonisation
EPO President addresses international conference and meets with key actors in Austria’s innovation networks
Patent Prosecution Highway with New Zealand and Brazil from 1 December 2024
Continued exchange at annual meeting strengthens co-operation
Outcomes of first meeting with Adrian Howes, President of the UK industry association
State Secretary Schlunck attends ceremony ahead of the EPO’s move to new Berlin premises
Engaging with the EPO’s largest user group, celebrating 40 years of co-operation
Panel discussion and signing of new work plan emphasise joint efforts
Heads of office convene to agree Phase 2 launch of PCT ISA pilot project and sign 2025 annual work plan
Bilateral meeting covers quality, digitalisation, the Unitary Patent and FICPI’s 2024 initiatives