Patent Prosecution Highway pilot program opens between USPTO and UK Intellectual Property OfficeSeptember 4, 2007

In a press release today, the USPTO announced an extension of its pilot Patent Prosecution Highway program to include the UK Intellectual Property Office. Under the program, an applicant who receives notice from either the USPTO or the UK IPO that at least one claim is allowable in its application may request expedited consideration of corresponding claims with the Office that has not yet determined the patentability of the claims.

A similar pilot program was previously announced with the Japan Patent Office. The Japan pilot program is scheduled to end on January 3, 2008 and the UK pilot program on September 4, 2008.

Relevant links:

• Press release announcing program
• USPTO patent prosecution highway homepage
• Form SB/20 (USPTO Patent Prosecution Highway request form)