What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?
A PPH is a bilateral agreement between the patent offices in two countries. A PPH agreement means that patent applicants can request an accelerated processing of his/her patent application at the patent office of second filing (OSF), when the patent office of first filing (OFF) has already found corresponding patent claims allowable. A PPH establishes a process whereby the OSF makes use of the work already carried out by the OFF in relation to the same invention. This means that the OSF can process the patent application quicker because the examination process begins at a more informed level. This also means that the quality of the search and examination is improved at the OSF. It is noted that the OSF is not compelled to follow the opinion of the OFF. The OSF always has the solely responsibility for its grant of patents rights. The PPH offers patent applicants a considerably accelerated search and examination process. In addition, use of the PPH will generally save resources for the a
Related Questions
- FHWAs Highway Design Handbook for Older Drivers and Pedestrians recommends that red arrows should not be used for left turn signals. Why does the MUTCD continue to allow red arrows?
- What is the difference between a provisional patent, a utility patent and a design patent?
- What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?
