A 12 month pilot scheme was launched on 2nd July 2007 with the aim of speeding up processing patent applications in the UK and Japan.
The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) will allow patent applicants who have received an examination report by either the UK Intellectual Property Office (UK-IPO) or the Japan Patent Office (JPO) to request accelerated examination of a corresponding patent application filed in the other country.
The aim of the pilot is to test applicant demand for this additional option for speeding up examination of patent applications.
Ian Fletcher, Chief Executive of the UK Intellectual Property Office said:
"The Patent Prosecution Highway is a valuable additional resource for those seeking to protect their intellectual property in both the UK and Japan. I am especially pleased that the improved efficiency and quality expected to arise from the PPH is a direct result of the strong relations that exist between the UK Intellectual Property Office and the Japan Patent Office.”
“The PPH will help the offices in their goal of stimulating and rewarding invention and innovation and is an important step towards a global patent prosecution highway network."
Mr. Nakajima, Commissioner of the Japan Patent Office said:
"The Patent Prosecution Highway is a significant step in the cooperative efforts of Japan and the UK to streamline patent prosecution and support Japanese and UK industries to acquire patents throughout the world."
"This initiative between the two countries is expected to further contribute to the realisation of a global patent prosecution highway network.” | 
