CNIPA launches the PPH program with Africa

China has launched a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot program with the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). 

This program, which allows for the accelerated examination of patent applications in one jurisdiction based on work done in the other, began on June 8, 2024, and is set to run for five years until June 7, 2029.

The PPH is designed to expedite the patent examination process by allowing applicants to request accelerated processing based on a favorable examination from a partner office. This collaboration is intended to improve the efficiency of patent examinations and reduce redundancy, thus benefiting applicants in both regions.

Here are some key points about this initiative:

Mutual Benefits: The PPH pilot program between China and ARIPO aims to foster closer cooperation in patent prosecution, facilitating quicker patent grants and improving the overall quality of patents. It helps applicants benefit from the work previously done by another patent office, reducing examination workload and processing time.

Operational Mechanism: Under the PPH program, if an applicant receives a favorable ruling from the patent office in one country (such as a Notice of Allowance or an Examination Report indicating all claims are allowable), they can request fast-track examination for corresponding applications filed with the partner office. This helps streamline the patent granting process.

Strategic Importance: This partnership with ARIPO is part of China's broader strategy to enhance international cooperation in intellectual property (IP) and support innovation both domestically and abroad. For ARIPO, it enhances the attractiveness of its IP services and strengthens its role in the global IP landscape.

For more details, you can refer to the official announcements and detailed guidelines available on the websites of the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) by clicking here.