UK IP Office pilots fast track European filing scheme.
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Press Release Summary:
Launched on April 1, 2007, pilot scheme enables European patent applications made through Utilization Pilot Project to be processed more quickly, resulting in Extended European Search Reports being issued between 3-6 months from date of request. Scheme will be open to all applicants wishing to file European patent applications claiming priority from searched UK application. Pilot forms part of strategy for developing more efficient European Patent Network.
Original Press Release:
UK Intellectual Property Office Pilot a Fast Track European Filing Scheme
A pilot scheme launched on 1 April 2007 means that European patent applications made through the Utilisation Pilot Project will be processed more quickly. This will result in Extended European Search Reports (EESR) being issued between 3-6 months from the date of request.
The scheme will be open to all applicants wishing to file a European patent application claiming priority from a searched UK application. The aim of the pilot is to assess the benefit to be gained by the European Patent Office (EPO) in having access to work already undertaken by national patent offices. The pilot forms part of the strategy for developing a more efficient European Patent Network for the benefit of patent applicants.
Sean Dennehey, Director of Patents said:
"I am very pleased that the UK Intellectual Property Office is playing a leading role in this project. We very much hope it will lead to significant benefits for users of the patents system here and abroad".
The 12 month project is also being trialed by the Austrian, Danish and German patent offices.
