What is the difference between PPH and PCT-PPH in patent applications?

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) and PCT-Patent Prosecution Highway (PCT-PPH) are related programs that expedite patent examination, but they differ in their scope and requirements:

• PPH: Applies to direct national or regional patent applications between participating offices.
• PCT-PPH: Specifically for applications that have gone through the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system.

According to the USPTO, ‘The PCT-PPH program uses international work products, i.e., written opinions of the International Searching Authority (ISA) or international preliminary examination reports (IPERs) of the International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA), to accelerate the examination of corresponding applications filed under the Paris Convention.’

Both programs aim to reduce workload for patent offices and accelerate the patent granting process for applicants.

To learn more:

• PPH
• PCT-PPH
• Patent Cooperation Treaty
• International Patent Application