A PPH pilot project between CIPO and the National Institute of Industrial Property of Portugal (INPI) will commence on October 7, 2013, for a period of two years, ending on October 6, 2015. The trial period may be extended if necessary to adequately assess the feasibility of the PPH project.
The objective of the trial is to gauge the interest of applicants and to assess the anticipated benefits to each office. The INPI and CIPO will evaluate the results of the pilot project to determine whether the project should be fully implemented after the trial period.
During the pilot, CIPO will process requests for advanced prosecution under the PPH project free of charge. CIPO will evaluate what, if any, fees should apply for this service if it later becomes permanent. Regular fees (Schedule II of the Patent Rules) for requesting examination will continue to apply during the PPH pilot.
The Offices may also suspend the PPH pilot project early if the volume of participation exceeds manageable level. Notice will be published if the PPH pilot project suspends before the end of the pilot.
You may find out more about how PPH can benefit you at the PPH web page
Source: Canadian Intellectual Property Office
