Start of EAPO-Korean IP Office PPH Program

As per the Information from WIPO website, on September 25, 2018, EAPO and Korean IP Office signed Memorandum of Understanding on Patent Prosecution Highway. Under the Memorandum, on 1 January 2019, the parties will start a 3-year pilot PPH program. Under this program, accelerated processing in the regional phase before the Eurasian Patent Organization is available on the basis of a PCT application with a positive written opinion from either the ISA or the IPEA, or a positive international preliminary report on patentability (IPRP) (Chapter II), issued by KIPO in its capacity as ISA/IPEA. The program is also available on the basis of national work products. After the completion of the pilot program, the program will be automatically implemented on a full-time basis under the same conditions as the pilot program, subject to a month notice to the contrary from either party.