What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is an international program that helps to speed up patent protection by allowing applicants to request an expedited examination of patent applications in participating foreign countries based on the search and examination results of a corresponding application in a different country. It was first introduced in 2005 and is now available in over 40 countries. The PPH is designed to reduce the time and costs associated with obtaining a patent by allowing the applicant to have their patent application examined more quickly, often within two to three months. This is achieved by allowing applicants to leverage examination work performed by foreign patent offices. By utilizing the PPH program, applicants are able to shorten the duration of their patent application process and obtain an earlier patent grant. In Washington, the PPH program is administered by the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO). The USPTO has established working relationships with multiple foreign patent offices and allows applicants to submit a request for an expedited examination of their patent application based on the prior art search and examination results from the foreign patent office. The USPTO looks for corresponding applications with common sets of claims and common priority dates. The PPH program provides a number of advantages to patent applicants in Washington. It allows applicants to quickly obtain a patent grant, which increases the value of their inventions. Additionally, it reduces the costs associated with obtaining a patent, which makes it more affordable. Finally, by utilizing the PPH program, applicants are able to obtain faster access to foreign patent offices, which increases their chances of obtaining worldwide patent protection.

Related FAQs

Can I sell my patent?
What is a patent infringement defense?
What is patentability?
What is a third-party observation in patent prosecution?
What forms do I need to file a patent?
What is the cost of filing a patent?
Is it possible to patent a new use of an existing product?
What is a ‘patent marking’?
What is a patent search report?
What is a patent number?

What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?

Related FAQs

Related Blog Posts