20 March 2025
The Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) has significantly expanded its Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) network, including a wider reach for its Global Patent Prosecution Highway (GPPH) program. This expansion to 33 intellectual property offices worldwide offers substantial benefits for patent applicants in Singapore seeking to accelerate the examination of their patent applications in Singapore and multiple jurisdictions.
In the latest update, the PPH Pilot with the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (“MyIPO”) commenced on 18 January 2025 for a period of two years. This provides accelerated examination of a Singapore patent application by referencing examination results from MyIPO.
What is the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)?
PPH is a work-sharing programme that provides accelerated examination of a patent application by referencing examination results from another IP Office. Under the Global PPH, a request for accelerated examination of an IPOS patent application can be made relying on the patent search and examination results or international search and/or examination results under the Patent Cooperation Treaty established by any of the other GPPH participating offices.
Benefits of the Expanded PPH Network
The PPH program allows an applicant whose claims have been determined to be patentable by a patent office in one country (Office of First Filing, OFF) to request an accelerated examination of corresponding claims in another patent office (Office of Second Filing, OSF). The GPPH program streamlines this further by providing a common set of requirements and a unified request form for participating offices.
The key benefits of this expansion include:
- Accelerated Examination: Reduces the time to obtain a patent in participating jurisdictions, leading to quicker market entry and commercialization.
- Increased Efficiency: Leveraging the work product of the OFF minimizes redundant examination efforts in the OSF, potentially leading to higher grant rates.
- Cost Savings: While there might be initial preparation costs, the reduced examination time and potential for fewer office actions can lead to overall cost efficiencies.
- Enhanced Global Patent Protection: Facilitates obtaining patent protection in multiple countries more efficiently, crucial for businesses with international aspirations.
Practical Suggestions for Patent Applicants in Singapore
To effectively leverage the expanded PPH and GPPH programs, Singaporean patent applicants should consider the following:
- Strategic Filing: When planning your patent strategy, consider filing your initial application in a jurisdiction that is part of the PPH/GPPH network and aligns with your key markets.
- Early Engagement: Engage with your patent attorney early in the process to discuss the potential use of PPH/GPPH and to ensure your application meets the specific requirements of the program.
- Claim Correspondence: Ensure that the claims in your subsequent applications correspond sufficiently to the claims deemed patentable by the OFF. Minor differences are often permissible, but substantial changes may hinder the PPH/GPPH process.
- Required Documentation: Be prepared to provide the necessary documentation, including copies of the claims deemed patentable, the corresponding office action from the OFF, and a claim correspondence table.
- Monitor Program Updates: The PPH and GPPH networks are dynamic. Stay informed about new participating offices and any changes to program requirements.
- Consider International Search and Preliminary Examination Reports: If you have an international application (PCT) with a positive International Search Report (ISR) or International Preliminary Examination Report (IPER), this can often serve as the basis for a PPH request in many participating offices.
By strategically utilizing these expanded programs, Singaporean businesses and innovators can significantly streamline their global patenting efforts and secure their intellectual property assets more effectively.
Our Expertise
Auriga IP has partnered with leading companies and innovative startups in Singapore, guiding them through their most critical and complex intellectual property challenges. Our expertise lies in leveraging patents, trademarks, and registered designs to protect creativity and in developing strategic IP roadmaps to establish market dominance. We are dedicated to delivering unparalleled service, effective solutions, and expert advice for all your IP needs. We invite you to contact us for a complimentary consultation on how we can help secure your intellectual property assets.
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Lionel is the founder of Auriga IP and is a registered Patent Attorney with 20+ years of experience in IP. He is skilled in patent drafting, prosecution, IP strategy, and due diligence. Lionel has helped diverse companies, from startups to MNCs like Razer and Grab, build innovation culture and manage IP to create significant value and assets.
Email: lionel.ser@aurigaip.com