CNIPA and EPO collaborate to simplify patent application process

The CNIPA and the European Patent Office (EPO) have reached a consensus. From July 1, 2021, there will be no need to submit a copy of the prior application search report made by the CNIPA when a European patent application or a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application claiming priority from an earlier application in China filed with the EPO enters the European phase. 

The smooth cooperation between the CNIPA and the EPO in data exchange over the years has provided an important technical guarantee for the implementation of this policy. It will further simplify the process and improve the efficiency of patent application in Europe. It is another latest achievement of comprehensive strategic cooperation, following the launch of a two-year pilot project, which enables nationals and residents of the People's Republic of China to select the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA) for applications filed in English under the PCT.

The EPO was one of the first patent offices to establish a partnership with the CNIPA. For 36 years, the two offices have maintained friendly and cooperative relations and elevated their cooperation to a comprehensive strategic partnership in 2017. The two offices are committed to providing better services to IPR users and have carried out in-depth cooperation in a broad range of areas.