News Item

Extension to PPH set for 1 October 2009

17 June 2009

The UK and Korea have signed a bilateral agreement to reduce the time and cost of obtaining patent protection in South Korea (KIPO) using the so-called Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH). The pilot will begin on 1 October 2009. Previous PPH agreements have been signed in 2007 with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and with the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).

Under the PPH system if the claims of a UK patent application have been found to be acceptable by the UK Intellectual Property Office (IPO), the applicant may request accelerated examination of a corresponding application at the USPTO, JPO or, from 1 October 2009 at the KIPO.

However, the limitations of the system are evident for those who are contemplating filings in a large number of countries, where the use of the PCT system and its benefits will usually outweigh those of the individual arrangements entered into by the UK IPO.

When contemplating applications for foreign patents many considerations come into play and you should feel free to approach your usual Marks & Clerk contact to discuss the most cost-effective way of proceeding.