How to accelerate prosecution of your Euro-PCT application: a summary for pilot participants

To ensure that the prosecution of your Euro-PCT application before the EPO as designated or elected Office will be accelerated, it is recommended that you:

• Use EPO Form 1200 for entry into the European phase. You can submit it online using the EPO's Online Filing or new online filing (CMS) tool or on paper (download free of charge from epo.org/applying/forms/forms).
• Enter the European phase and file a request for early processing by selecting the checkbox provided in EPO Form 1200 as soon as you have received the international search report.
• Pay the designation fee and the examination fee on your early entry into the European phase. This saves you from having to monitor time limits and ensures that the examining division is competent to deal with your application from the day your request for early processing becomes effective.
• Waive your right to a communication under Rules 161(1) and 162(2) EPC by selecting the checkbox provided in EPO Form 1200. Ensure that you have also filed any required reply to the WOISA and paid any claims fees for claims over 15.
• File any voluntary amendments at this stage already.
• Make sure that any amendments comply with the patentability requirements under the EPC.
• File a PACE request on EPO Form 1005 via Online Filing or new online filing (CMS) at the same time as your request for entry into the European phase (EPO Form 1200).