UK and China launch Patent Prosecution Highway

The UK and China have launched the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot scheme today, July 1. The PPH, operated by the UK Intellectual Property Office and China’s State Intellectual Property Office, will enable patentees using one office to have their applications speeded up in the other. UK IP minister Lord Younger said: “The launch of the PPH with China will enable innovative British businesses to obtain patent protection in China more quickly and cheaply than ever before. “This can only help to encourage growth and enable UK businesses to work more closely with one of our most important partners ... The PPH will also help to reduce duplication, helping to create a more efficient and affordable system for businesses in both UK and China,” he added. The scheme will run for two years, ending on June 30, 2016. Source：WIPR