80 likes | 258 Views
AIPLA 2012 Annual Meeting Washington 25 October 2012 Strengthening the PCT Margot Fröhlinger Principal Director, Patent Law and Multilateral Affairs. The EPO supports the PCT. why? => PCT is key for users and Offices how? => by unilateral / multilateral means. 2 /6. Improving Quality.
E N D
AIPLA 2012 Annual Meeting Washington 25 October 2012 Strengthening thePCT Margot Fröhlinger Principal Director, Patent Law and Multilateral Affairs
The EPO supports the PCT why? => PCT is key for users and Offices how? => by unilateral / multilateral means 2/6
Improving Quality • as RO => all safety nets are in place • as ISA => Int'l search = European search • as IPEA => second Written Opinion 3/6
ImprovingEfficiency • implementing equal service levels in PCT • recognising its own work in EP phase • offering Supplementary Int'l Search 4/6
Improving Timeliness • Int'l Search Reports issued before 18 m • RO/EP : a smooth processing by ISA/EP • Int'l Preliminary Exam. Reports at 28 m 4/6
What is next? • PCT quality metrics framework • Top-Up search Chapter II? • Open Ch II to non-EPO=ISA applicants? 6/6
What is next? (2) • Collaborative Search? • Streamlining non-unity in EP phase • Participate in our online consultation : http://www.epo.org/law-practice/legislative-initiatives/consultation/ongoing.html 7/6
www.epo.org Thank you for your attention. Questions? mfroehlinger@epo.org