State Intellectual Property Office (SIPO) Commissioner Tian Lipu and David Kappos, director of the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), recently announced a pilot program to improve efficiency in processing international patents.

Structured around the global Patent Cooperation Treaty, the program will use international written opinions and preliminary examinations to "expedite processing of patent applications at both offices by avoiding duplication of work", said Kappos.

"It will also provide greater cost savings to applicants and help the two countries in innovation, job creation and economic growth."

Tian noted "the pilot program is a landmark in deepening bilateral cooperation between SIPO and USPTO".

(Source: China Daily)