How can I expedite the grant proceedings for my Euro-PCT application?

By choosing the EPO as ISA you already automatically shorten the proceedings before the EPO as designated or elected Office by up to 12 months. This is because the supplementary European search report, which can take six months to establish, is dispensed with, and so you also do not need to file a reply to the EPO's accompanying search opinion (ESOP) (Rules 70(2) and 70a(2) EPC), which saves you another six months.

Additionally, three further options are available which you can use to make the prosecution of your application in the European phase even faster:

• Filing a request for early processing under Article 23(2) or 40(2) PCT.
• Waiving the right to a communication under Rules 161(1) and 162(2) EPC, saving you the period of six months subsequently available for filing any amendments or comments.
• Filing a request for accelerated examination under the "PACE" programme.

All these options are free of charge and can be selected in combination.