China-Korea and China-Austria PPH Pilot Programmes Extended
The State Intellectual Property Office of China (SIPO) has extended two of its Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot programmes, one with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) and the other with the Austrian Patent Office (APO). Both pilot programmes have expired on 29 February 2016.
With effect from 1 March 2016, the SIPO-KIPO pilot programme is, subject to termination by written notification from either party, extended indefinitely, whereas the pilot programme between SIPO and APO is extended for two years until 28 February 2018. The relevant requirements and procedures of both pilot programmes remain unchanged.