These days, the CNIPA and the European Patent Office jointly issued a joint communiqué, announcing that the Pilot Project of International Search Authorities under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) will be extended for one year from December 1, 2022 to November 30, 2023. Under this project, Chinese applicants can choose the European Patent Office as the International Searching Authority for PCT applications. The pilot project is applicable to PCT applications filed with CNIPA or the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization in English, and 3,000 is within limit during the extension period. Applications with the international search carried out by the EPO will not be subject to a supplementary European search.

Since the program was launched on December 1, 2020, more than 270 applicants have taken an active part in it. The pilot project is a result of significance for the comprehensive strategic cooperation between the two offices, facilitating applicants to obtain intellectual property protection in Europe.

From CNIPA

September 19th, 2022