On 6 January 2015, new two-way PCT-PPH pilot programs began between the European Patent Office (EPO) and the following Offices which act as International Searching Authorities (ISAs) and International Preliminary Examining Authorities (IPEAs):
- the Canadian Intellectual Property Office, and
- the Israel Patent Office
Under these pilots, faster examination in the national phase in Canada or Israel, or in the regional phase before the EPO, is available on the basis of a PCT application with a positive written opinion from either the ISA or the IPEA, or a positive international preliminary report on patentability (IPRP) (Chapter II) (that is, where at least one of the claims has been determined as patentable) issued by the other Office in its capacity as ISA/IPEA.
On the same date, new PCT-PPH pilot programs also began between the EPO and
- the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property, and
- the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore.
Under these pilots, faster examination in the national phase in Mexico or Singapore is available on the basis of a PCT application with a positive written opinion from either the ISA or the IPEA, or a positive international preliminary report on patentability (IPRP) (Chapter II) (that is, where at least one of the claims has been determined as patentable) issued by the EPO in its capacity as ISA/IPEA. Furthermore, faster examination can also be requested at the EPO based on the national work product established during the processing of a national application or a PCT application that has entered the national phase in Mexico or Singapore.
Source: WIPO
