Patent Prosecution Highway between the JPO and the USPTO

The extension of PPH pilot program between the JPO and the USPTO
Examination Policy Planning Office

Since PPH pilot program between the JPO and the USPTO started in July 2006, the program has always been well-received because, as expected, our users received examination result from the Office of second filing at the very early stage.
And the requirements of the PPH pilot program were recently modified to permit certain applications based on PCT filings to qualify for participation in the PPH pilot program from 18th May, 2007 (see The expansion of eligible applications for PPH pilot program to PCT applications).
Under these circumstances, the USPTO and the JPO are pleased to inform you that the both Offices have decided to continue accepting the PPH petition from our users since July 3rd, 2007.

The extension period is additional 6 months to January 3, 2008. The USPTO and the JPO will evaluate the results of the pilot program at the end of this 6 months period to determine whether and how the program should be fully implemented.

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[Last updated 28 Septemeber 2007]