As expected in our previous report (see our article – https://investip.vn/korea-vietnam-patent-prosecution-highway-pph-pilot-program/), the Intellectual Property Office of Vietnam (“IPVN” or “IP Viet Nam”) on 29 May 2021 officially announced that the PPH pilot program between the IPVN and the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO) will be extended for two years, commencing on 1 June 2021 and ending on 31 May 2023.
Like “Phase 1” (2019-2021), in this “Phase 2” of the extended PPH pilot, the IPVN will receive 100 PPH requests at a maximum each year. Also, the requirements for an applicant to file a PPH request, documents to be submitted, and procedure, specified in the IPVN’s Guidelines for Phase 2 (see the document: ) are identical to those in the Guidelines for Phase 1.
Accordingly, the IPVN will receive PPH requests in the first year of Phase 2 as from 1 June 2021, and stop to receive on 31 May 2022 or stop earlier at the event of receiving the 100th request before 31 May 2022. If less than 100 PPH requests are filed in the first year, the quota for the second year will still be 100.
For safety, applicants should prepare to file PPH requests soon.
Should you require any further information or assistance, please contact us at patent@investip.vn
By Ms. Dao Thu Trang
Deputy Director of Patent Department
INVESTIP – IP LAW FIRM
