How does the PCT-PPH program differ from the regular PPH?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

The PCT-PPH program is a specialized version of the Patent Prosecution Highway that focuses on applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). According to MPEP 708.02(c):

The PCT-PPH program uses international work products, i.e., written opinions of International Searching Authorities (ISAs) and international preliminary examination reports (IPERs) developed within the framework of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), to accelerate the patenting process.

Key differences include:

• PCT-PPH uses PCT work products (ISA opinions and IPERs) rather than national office examination results.
• It applies specifically to national/regional phase applications derived from PCT applications.
• The program potentially allows for faster entry into national phases for PCT applications with positive international search or examination results.