On October 22, representatives from the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the European Patent Office (EPO) jointly announced the progression of their International Search Unit Pilot Project under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) into its second phase. This collaboration aims to facilitate the process for Chinese applicants submitting PCT applications and designating the EPO as their International Search Authority.
Starting from December 1, 2024, participants in the Sino-European PCT pilot project will have the option to pay their international search fees directly in Chinese yuan to the EPO through the CNIPA.
The inaugural phase of the PCT pilot project began on December 1, 2020, and the upcoming phase is designed to further streamline the application process. It will allow Chinese nationals and residents to handle payments in yuan, making it easier for them to gain access to the EPO’s high-quality international searches and written opinions. By selecting the EPO as their International Search Authority, applicants can expedite their journey toward obtaining patent protection in Europe.
The second phase will maintain key advantages from the first, such as the option to submit international preliminary examination requests to the EPO under PCT Chapter II, which includes a reduction of 75% in examination fees upon entering the European phase. Furthermore, applicants will be exempt from needing a supplementary search and translation of the PCT application, thus saving both time and costs.
To ensure broad access to these benefits, the pilot project will cap applications at 3,000 per year.
Shen Changyu, director of the CNIPA, highlighted that this pilot initiative has been a significant collaboration between the two agencies, benefiting over 440 innovative entities over nearly four years and receiving favorable responses from Chinese users. He expressed enthusiasm for the second phase, which will allow Chinese participants to pay fees conveniently in yuan while applying for patent protection in Europe.
Antonio Campinos, president of the EPO, remarked that the new payment method marks a significant milestone in ongoing cooperation between the EPO and the CNIPA. This enhancement not only offers greater convenience for Chinese applicants but also underscores the importance of international collaboration in fostering innovation. By simplifying procedures and lowering costs, the EPO and the CNIPA aim to support Chinese innovators as they access the European technology market, promoting growth and strengthening ties between Europe and China.
Prior to the announcement, the 18th meeting of the directors of the two agencies took place in Chengdu, Sichuan, on October 21. Shen noted that under the framework of their comprehensive strategic partnership, collaboration between the two sides continues to deepen. Looking ahead, both organizations are eager to expand and enhance their collaborative fields in anticipation of their 40-year anniversary in 2025.
Antonio Campinos praised the achievements of their partnership and expressed optimism for continued in-depth collaboration, aiming to explore new avenues for cooperation in the future.
