Patent prosecution highways (PPHs): Their first five years and recent developments seen from Japan

The emergence and current situation regarding PPHs are described, together with the basic features of these systems. Their benefits in terms of speed, quality and cost are discussed. The three options of (i) the numerous bilateral PPH agreements, (ii) the PCT–PPH, and (iii) the Japanese PPH Mottainai are outlined, together with some statistics, especially in relation to the JPO–USPTO agreements.

Graphical abstractFigure optionsDownload full-size imageDownload as PowerPoint slideHighlights► The Expanding Network of PPH: 25 joining countries worldwide. ► The PPH Framework, including PCT–PPH. ► Three Advantages of the PPH Program: Speed, Quality and Cost. ► The PPH MOTTAINAI Program: Easing the Patent Prosecution Highways.