Expansion of eligible applications in Patent Prosecution Highway between the JPO and the USPTO

Examination Policy Planning Office

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is the framework which supports an applicant's acquisition of a patent at an early stage worldwide and enhances the utilization of search and examination results between the world's major IP Offices. The PPH pilot program between the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) started in July 2006. On the basis of the results of one and a half years of the pilot program, the full-implemented PPH program started on 4 January 2008.

The JPO and the USPTO commenced the PPH program using the PCT international work products on pilot basis on 29 January 2010.

Regarding this PCT-based PPH program, please see the press release below:

Press Release of November, 2009

<The expansion of eligible applications for PPH program>

On the basis of the positive opinion on patentability indicated in Written Opinion (WO) or International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER) prepared by the JPO or the USPTO as International Search Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examination Authority (IPEA), it is possible to participate in the PPH program at the USPTO or the JPO.

[Example 1:On the basis of WO or IPER prepared by the JPO as ISA or IPEA, it is possible to participate in the PPH program at the USPTO for the US national phase application of the international application.]

[Example 2:On the basis of WO or IPER prepared by the JPO as ISA or IPEA, it is possible to participate in the PPH program at the USPTO for the US national application which claims foreign/domestic priority from the international application.]

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[Last updated 26 February 2010]