New CNIPA-EPO Bilateral PPH Programme Launches 1 August 2026 – Indefinite Duration

Release Time：2026-07-09 09:37Author：Views：0

The European Patent Office (EPO) and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) have concluded a comprehensive Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programme, set to launch on 1 August 2026. The programme will run for an indefinite period and operate alongside the existing IP5 PPH framework under the same conditions.

This new bilateral mechanism allows applicants to leverage patentability determinations from one office to accelerate prosecution at the other, representing a significant opportunity to streamline cross-border patent prosecution between China and Europe.

Bidirectional Framework – Mutual Recognition of Examination Results

The PPH programme operates on a truly bilateral basis. Where the EPO's work product contains one or more claims determined to be patentable/allowable, the applicant may request participation in the PPH programme at CNIPA. Conversely, where CNIPA (including in its capacity as ISA and/or IPEA) determines at least one claim to be patentable/allowable, the applicant may request accelerated processing at the EPO.

In essence, a positive examination outcome from either office can serve as the basis for accelerated prosecution at the other.

Practical Considerations for International Applicants

For international applicants with pending or future applications in both China and Europe, this programme offers a valuable pathway to reduce examination redundancy and accelerate patent grant timelines.

For a comprehensive and up-to-date list of States and IGOs that have established PPH cooperation with China, please refer to the following link: https://en.we-ipr.com/Resources/115

Source: EPO Official Journal 2026, A32; EPO News Release, 6 July 2026

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