In order to improve the examination efficiency, TIPO launched a pilot program “the Collective Interview for Relevant Interview Patent Applications program (Collective Interview Program, CIP)” on June 13, 2011. Evaluation of the program shows that participants have experienced several benefits, including effectively advancing prosecution of a group of invention patent applications, enhanced understanding before issuance of an office action, having chances for the applicant(s) to file amendment after the interview, and expedited allowance of an application due to the enhanced communication. It is therefore the Collective Interview Program became permanent on September 28, 2012. Decreasing requirement for the Collective Interview Program was amended and commenced on May 10, 2013.
There are five requirements for requesting for examination under the Collective Interview Program. These are:
- The applications are invention patent applications which meet the definition of “Relevant Invention Patent Applications”. That is it refers to invention patent applications with the same related technical subject(s).
- The applications are filed by the same applicant(s) who has been notified that the substantive examination for the applications will begin shortly. And TIPO has not issued office actions on the applications.
- The applications have been laid-open prior to filing for the Collective Interview Program; if not, the applicant(s) must request the applications to be published early pursuant to Article 37 Paragraph 2 of the Patent Act.
- None of the applications is the earlier application of Article 30 of the Patent Act (priority claim based on an earlier application in Taiwan filed by the same applicant).
- The number of applications in each request for examination under the Collective Interview Program shall be in the range of 2 to 10 cases in principle.
If the requirements are met and documents are submitted, TIPO will contact the applicant(s) within 1 month to arrange the collective interview. A written notification detailing the time and place of the collective interview will be provided to the applicant(s) prior to the interview.
During the collective interview, the applicant(s) shall provide an introduction to the technologies of the applications, specify the scope of claims, and provide reasons showing the claims to be patentable respectively.
In principle, office actions will be issued within 3 month after the collective interview or, if the applicant(s) provide a proposed amendment during the collective interview, office notices (either a decision of rejection or approval) will be issued within 3 month after the amendment is submitted to TIPO.
As of the end of June, 2014, the statistics show that it takes about 220 days on an average to obtain a granted patent after requesting for examination under the Collective Interview Program. Therefore, please feel free to well take advantage of the program when it is available.
Source: News published by TIPO on August 19, 2014
(http://www.tipo.gov.tw/public/epaper/113/ePaper113_ep8298.htm)
Delivered by: Sandy WANG (Ms.) / Senior Partner
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TRADEMARK & LAW OFFICES
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