The Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (IPVN) and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) have agreed to extend the PPH pilot program into Phase 4, which will run for three years, from 1 June 2025 to 31 May 2028. This extension follows the successful completion of Phase 3 (1 June 2023 to 31 May 2025). Unlike Phases 1–3, which each lasted two years, Phase 4 will span three years.
Key details for Phase 4 are as follows:
At the IPVN: The IPVN will accept a maximum of 100 PPH requests per year for patent applications originally filed with the KIPO and meeting the relevant eligibility criteria. The filing requirements and procedural guidelines for submitting PPH requests at the IPVN remain unchanged.
At the KIPO: Similarly, the KIPO will accept up to 100 PPH requests per year for patent applications originally filed with the IPVN and meeting the criteria outlined in the applicable guidelines. The filing requirements and procedural steps at KIPO remain the same as in previous phases.
Following the rising trend in PPH filings (see here), the PPH program continues to serve as a valuable mechanism for accelerating patent examination in Vietnam. As a result, the program has been extended into a new phase.
By Luu Thi Trang
Patent Department
