ARTICLE · 26 NOVEMBER 2020

EPO-CNIPA New PCT Pilot Programme Starts On 1 December 2020

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From 1 December 2020, Chinese PCT applicants will be given the option to select the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA).

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From 1 December 2020, Chinese PCT applicants will be given the option to select the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA). According to the joint communiqué published on the EPO website, this scheme will be implemented as a two-year pilot programme.

It is envisioned that this programme will enable Chinese applicants to optimise their international patent strategy, especially when considering protection in Europe.

Eligibility

Before 1 December, the CNIPA is the only competent ISA for international (PCT) patent applications that are filed at the CNIPA as Receiving Office.

Under the new pilot programme, nationals and residents of the People's Republic of China filing international patent applications in English with CNIPA as the Receiving Office will be able to select the EPO, in addition to CNIPA, as the competent ISA.

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