NEW PATENT PROSECUTION HIGHWAY PILOT PROGRAM BETWEEN KIPO AND USPTO
December 29 2008 |
The Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) are practicing a pilot program for the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH).
PPH aims to facilitate an applicant's acquisition of a patent at an early stage worldwide and to enhance the utilization of search and examination results between the IP Offices so as to reduce the burden of examination and to enhance the quality of examination worldwide.
Under the current PPH Trial Program between KIPO and USPTO, which is scheduled to conclude by January 28, 2009, an applicant receiving a ruling from USPTO in that at least one claim of the application is patentable may request that KIPO fast track the examination of corresponding claims in the accompanying applications. In addition, a request shall be made by way of the current Korean Preferential Examination system.
The PPH Trial Program is to gauge the interest of applicants and determine if the program improves quality and efficiency and reduces the workload at KIPO as well as USPTO. The trial period may be extended for up to one year or terminated earlier depending on the volume of activity and other factors.
Further information regarding the procedures and requirements for filing a request to KIPO for participation in the PPH program are available up on the request.
