Is there a different degree of acceleration between PACE and PPH?
No. Files processed via PPH or PACE are both treated with the highest priority. By filing a PACE request, applicants may also request acceleration of proceedings on their own pending cases for examination for free. There is no longer any need to request acceleration of searches because all searches are now completed by the EPO within six months or less. Accelerated handling under PACE will therefore be reserved for examination. In the context of the PPH, the degree of acceleration may vary depending on the individual circumstances of the particular case, such as the usability of the OEE work product, the point in time when PPH is requested.