On 12 June, the EPO joined the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and IP Key China in hosting a seminar on the latest legislative developments in China’s patent landscape. During the event, attendees were presented with several important developments and initiatives.
Among them, EPO-CNIPA International Search Authority (ISA) pilot project was discussed, which supports inventors based in China in securing protection for their inventions in Europe. This project has been extended until December 2026, and nationals and residents of the People’s Republic of China can continue to select the European Patent Office as their International Searching Authority (ISA) for their international patent applications filed in English under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).
Under the framework of the pilot project, the European Patent Office (EPO) provides applicants with an international search report and written opinion, giving a clear assessment of the patentability of the invention, thus providing a basis for applicants to timely determine whether to enter the national/regional phase (especially the European regional phase) under the PCT treaty. In addition, Chinese applicants who hold an international search report and written opinion issued by the EPO and wish to expedite the application process can file a request for preliminary examination to enter the European regional phase early, without the need for a European supplementary search.
The success of this initiative is evident, with 440 companies in China actively participating and benefiting from it, including universities, research institutes and private individuals. In particular, both local and international companies based in China showed a strong interest in obtaining timely patent protection in Europe. By having their international searches carried out by the EPO, pilot participants benefit from both more legal certainty prior to entering the European phase and faster prosecution of their Euro‑PCT applications.
鄂公网安备 42010402001546号