What are the advantages of a PACE request and how can it be filed?

Where a request to participate in the programme for accelerated prosecution of European patent applications ("PACE") is on file, the examining division will aim to issue its next official communication within three months from receipt of the applicant's latest action.

The request can be filed only once during the examination stage and is free of charge. If you want fast processing of your Euro-PCT application right from the outset, you should already file the PACE request on entry into the European phase.

You must file your PACE request online using EPO Form 1005, which contains a preformulated request for accelerated examination. It is not included in the public part of the file so the public will not be informed of your wish to accelerate examination.