Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Programme
Singapore has signed on to a Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) Programme with the United States of America and Japan. The idea behind this programme is for patent authorities to share their search and/or examination (SE) results with each other, thereby reducing the examination period significantly.
The PPH pilot programme with the United States commenced on 2 February 2009 and concludes on 1 July 2010, while in Japan, it commences on 1 July 2009 and lasts for a period of one year, ending on 1 July 2010. If necessary, this period may be extended for up to an additional year to adequately assess the feasibility of the PPH programme. The three countries involved will evaluate the results of the programme to determine whether and how it should be fully implemented after the pilot period. There is a chance that the PPH pilot programme may be terminated prematurely in these countries, if volume of participation exceeds manageable levels, or for other reasons. If such action needs to be taken, the countries will provide an advanced notice to all the stakeholders.