How can I expedite the grant proceedings for my Euro-PCT application?

See also our dedicated webpage.

By choosing the EPO as ISA you already automatically shorten the proceedings before the EPO as designated or elected Officeby up to 12 months because neither the supplementary European search report nor a reply to the search opinion (ESOP) need to be filed, (Rules 70(2) and 70a(2) EPC).

Additionally, three further options are available which you can use to make the prosecution of your application in the European phase even faster:

• Filing a request for early processing under Article 23(2) or 40(2) PCT.
• Waiving the right to the communication under Rules 161(1) and 162(2) EPC (invitation to comment or react to the written opinion (ISA) and to pay any claims fees), saving you the period of six months for responding to it.
• Filing a request for accelerated examination under the "PACE" programme.

All these options are free of charge and can be selected in combination.