| The UK Patent Office (UK IPO) has introduced a fast | | | | environmentally friendly technology, then it will be |
| tracking process for UK patent applications which | | | | accepted. In any event, the Examiner will inform us if |
| relate to 'green' or environmentally friendly | | | | the request has been successful. |
| technology. If this is requested, then publication of | | | | The European Patent Office (EPO) has had a little |
| the application will take place after about 6 weeks, | | | | known fast tracking process for many years, called |
| and if the application is in order, then grant will take | | | | the Programme for Accelerated Prosecution of |
| place following the statutory 3 months after | | | | European patent applications (PACE). |
| publication. | | | | This can be requested in writing at any time. Again, |
| If the Examiner raises any issues during examination, | | | | no evidence or specific reason is required. |
| then these can be taken care of during the 3 month | | | | If requested prior to the search, then the search |
| period following publication. | | | | report will be issued as soon as possible thereafter. If |
| The 3 month period following publication is statutory | | | | requested prior to an examination report, then the |
| to allow any third party to submit observations | | | | examination report should be issued within 3 months |
| against grant. | | | | of the request. |
| The 'green' or environmentally friendly fast tracking | | | | Typically, a PACE request can lead to grant of a |
| can be requested in writing. No evidence is required. | | | | European patent within 12 months assuming |
| Acceptance by the UK IPO is discretionary, but as | | | | examination proceeds smoothly. |
| long as the invention relates to 'green' or | | | | |