Singapore, 5 February 2009 – The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) and the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) have launched a new pilot cooperation initiative called the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) on 2 February 2009. The PPH between IPOS and the USPTO aims to accelerate the processing of patent applications in one patent office where the other patent office has already conducted the search and examination.
With the PPH, each office will be able to exploit the work previously done by the other office. At the USPTO, the examination process will begin at a more informed level, which will not only allow quicker processing of patent applications but also improve patent quality. At IPOS, the granting process of patent applications will be accelerated by utilising the search and examination work done by the USPTO.
In launching the pilot programme, Singapore joins the growing network of IP offices co-operating to deal with the backlog of patent applications worldwide. Besides IPOS, the other offices which have ongoing pilot programmes with the USPTO include the United Kingdom Intellectual Property Office (IPO), Canadian Intellectual Property Office (CIPO), IP Australia, European Patent Office (EPO) and the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO). The Japan Patent Office (JPO) and Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) have fully implemented the PPH programme with the USPTO after their respective pilot programmes.
“We are glad to be part of an expanding network of like-minded organisations seeking to reduce patent processing time. Applicants will see an immediate benefit in the expedited processing of their patent applications with this cooperative effort with the USPTO which will result in quicker patent protection.” said Ms Liew Woon Yin, Director-General of IPOS.
The pilot is scheduled for one year. Full details and requirements for participation in the pilot programme are available at www.ipos.gov.sg and www.uspto.gov/web/patents/pph/pph_ipos.html. Please refer to Annex A for the Notice on PPH Pilot Programme between the USPTO and IPOS.
For media enquiries, please contact:
Tan Mei Jue (Ms)
Public Relations Department
Intellectual Property Office of Singapore
DID: +65 6331 6581
Fax: +65 6331 6562
Email: tan_mei_jue@ipos.gov.sg
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS), a statutory board under the Ministry of Law since April 2001, is the lead government agency that advises on and administers intellectual property (IP) laws, promotes IP awareness and provides the infrastructure to facilitate the development of IP in Singapore. With IP fast becoming a critical resource in today’s new economy, IPOS’s vision is to foster a creative Singapore where ideas and intellectual efforts are valued, developed and exploited. More information on IPOS can be found on www.ipos.gov.sg.
Click here for Annex A