China and EPO agree closer PCT ties
The European and Chinese patent offices yesterday, November 12 announced closer cooperation within the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international filing system.
PCT applicants filing in English at the Chinese office will soon be able to choose the European Patent Office (EPO) as the international searching authority (ISA) responsible for reviewing the claims.
The announcement came after a meeting between EPO president António Campinos and Shen Changyu, commissioner of the Chinese National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) in Suzhou, Jiangsu Province.
ISAs are responsible for searching prior art and issuing an opinion on the patentability for a PCT application.
Applicants will be able to designate the EPO as the ISA within the next year as part of a two-year pilot scheme.
Shen Changyu said the move represented a “solid step for China to further enhance its international cooperation on IP protection”.
Campinos said the EPO was “truly honoured by this sign of trust put in its PCT products, and we are committed to delivering the best possible services to patent applicants from China and around the world”.
The news comes a week after the European Commission, the executive body of the EU, announced a “landmark” agreement with China on the protection of geographical indications (GIs).
The bilateral agreement will see 100 Chinese and 100 EU GIs protected in the respective territories.
Commenting on the news last week, EU commissioner for agriculture and rural development Phil Hogan said the agreement would be a “win for both parties” and result in increased demand for products.
The EU GIs that will now enjoy protection in China include Irish whiskey, Champagne, Feta cheese, and Prosciutto di Parma (Parma ham).
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