According to the SIPO-USPTO Joint Statement of Intent to Commence Patent Prosecution Highway Pilots, the PPH pilot programs are scheduled to be launched on December 1, 2011.
The agreement qualifies the applicants to file PPH requests with the SIPO under the Process of Filing PPH Request with SIPO under SINO-USA PPH Pilot Programs; and file PPH requests with USPTO under the SINO-USA PPH Pilot Programs and the SINO-USA PPH Pilot Program on PCT Work Results.
The one-year pilot programs will end on November 30, 2012. Where necessary, the trial period may be extended, to evaluate the feasibility of the programs. The two offices may, where the amount of requests exceeds the management capacity or due to any other causes, terminate the pilot programs. A notice in advance will be released before termination.
Remark:
The launching of PPH will greatly expedite the examination of patent applications filed by the Chinese applicants in the United States, which is a rare opportunity for Chinese domestic applicants!!
