USPTO PCT-PPH (USPTO ISA/IPEA) Pilot Project
CIPO will commence a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) - Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot project based on PCT work products established by the USPTO as the International Searching Authority (ISA) and/or the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA). The project will begin on January 31, 2013, for a period of two years, ending on January 30, 2015. Of note, only International Applications which were examined at the USPTO as IA (not PCT/US applications examined by any other IA) will be eligible for this pilot project.
The objective of the trial is to gauge the interest of applicants and to assess the anticipated benefits to the office. CIPO will evaluate the results of the pilot project to determine whether the project should be fully implemented after the trial period. The trial period may be extended, if necessary, to adequately assess the feasibility of the project.
During the pilot, CIPO will process requests for advanced prosecution under the USPTO PCT-PPH (USPTO ISA/IPEA) project free of charge. CIPO will evaluate what, if any, fees should apply for this service if it later becomes indeterminate. Regular fees (Schedule II of the Patent Rules) for requesting examination will continue to apply during the project.
The Office may also terminate the USPTO PCT-PPH (USPTO ISA/IPEA) pilot project early if the volume of participation exceeds manageable level, or for any other reason. Notice will be published if the USPTO PCT-PPH (USPTO ISA/IPEA) pilot project is terminated before the identified end date.
USPTO PCT-PPH (USPTO ISA/IPEA) Requests to CIPO
- Requirements and Procedures to File a Request to CIPO for the PCT-PPH Project
- PCT-PPH Project Request Form
PCT-PPH Requests to the USPTO
Further Information
For more information on the USPTO PCT-PPH (USPTO ISA/IPEA) pilot project, please email the PPH Project Manager or call the CIPO Client Service Center at 819-934-0544 or toll-free at 1-866-997-1936.
