UKIPO update
Filing statistics
The statistics for January 2025 are now available here. Statistics for previous months can be found here.
Customer service standards
The latest update on how the UKIPO are doing relative to the targets they have set themselves can be found here.
EPO update
Introduction of gender-neutral language in the EPC Implementing Regulations
By a decision of 10 December 2024, the Administrative Council of the European Patent Organisation adopted a set of amendments introducing gender-neutral language into the Implementing Regulations to the Convention on the Grant of European Patents (EPC Implementing Regulations). The amendments will enter into force on 1 April 2025.
Details available here and here.
Changes to the automatic debiting procedure
The EPO is introducing a new system for the automatic payment of fees during the European patent grant procedure. From 1 April 2025, users will be able to choose between three types of automatic debit order, covering either all fees, all fees except renewal fees or renewal fees only.
Details available here and here.
PPH pilot programme between the EPO and the Ministry of Industry and Commerce of Bahrain (MOIC)
The EPO and the MOIC announced on 12 January 2025 their intention to launch a comprehensive Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme. The PPH pilot programme commenced on 1 March 2025 and will run until 28 February 2027.
Details available here.
Validation of European patents in the Lao People’s Democratic Republic
As of 1 April, it is now possible to validate European patent applications and patents in Lao PDR, where, after validation, they will confer essentially the same protection as patents granted by the EPO for the now 39 member states of the European Patent Organisation. This is available for European or international patent applications filed on or after 1 April 2025.
Details available here.
PCT update
WIPO Technology Trends Report: The Future of Transportation
On 6 February 2025, WIPO launched the 2025 edition of the WIPO Technology Trends Report, focusing on the future of transportation. The WIPO Technology Trends reports are a series of reports that track technology trends on innovation in specific fields. The latest report reveals how innovation in the global transportation sector is increasingly focused on greener, more sustainable and futuristic technologies. For more information, please see here.
Practical advice: time limits and possibilities of extension
The following question is answered: When the receiving office invites me to correct formal defects, it usually sets a two-month time limit for me to respond and is willing to extend this time limit at my request. Why, then, will it not extend other time limits such as the time limit to correct a priority claim? Please see here (pages 7 and 8) for the detailed answer.
Other useful links
The PCT seminar, webinar and event calendar can be found here (page 9).
The PCT fee tables (as of 1 March 2025) can be found here (pages 10 to 18).
A list of PCT Contracting States and Two-Letter Country Codes (as of 1 March 2025) can be found here (page 19).
