China launches PPH with Chile and Czech Republic as of January 1, 2018

As we have previously informed you, the State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) launches two PPH pilot projects – with the National Institute of Industrial Property of Chile (INAPI) and the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic (IPOCZ) which commence on January 1, 2018.

The PPH program between SIPO and INAPI will be effective for three years up to December 31, 2020. Cooperation under PPH between SIPO and the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic will last only two years, i.e., by December 31, 2019.

In SIPO, a PPH request may be filed together with or after filing a request for the substantive examination. However, it should also be done before issuance of the first office action on the application. In the same manner, the applicant will be able to file a PPH request with the INAPI before issuance of the first office action provided that no opposition against the application has been filed.

As to cooperation with Czech IPO, although the regulations have not been published yet, it is expected that the applicant will have a possibility to file a PPH request to the Industrial Property Office of the Czech Republic simultaneously with or upon filing a request for the substantive examination but before the substantive examination is finished, and before the applicant is invited to pay the administrative fee for the patent issuance.

Using the benefits of the PPH pilot program the applicants will be able to speed up significantly the examination of their applications in the jurisdictions mentioned above, together with a reduction of the expenses.

For more information on patent prosecution in any country worldwide, please visit our applicant’s guide. You are also welcome to try out our quotation system for an accurate and up-to-date quote for IP-right registration.