Highway to Heaven? The Global Approach to Fast Patent Prosecution

In this article, WIPR examines the Global Patent Prosecution Highway (GPPH) pilot program. Finnegan partner Anthony C. Tridico, Ph.D. provided commentary, noting benefits for patent owners. “It is generally thought to be a good thing,” he says. “It keeps the costs down and moves things along at a more rapid pace. Furthermore, there is a consistency of arguments and it will minimize situations where things are not done consistently in differing jurisdictions, creating a more uniform system.”

Tridico also noted the program has support from various jurisdictions, adding, “The offices have expressed publicly that they want further cooperation and for other offices to participate more fully. Patent offices have always looked for ways to get everyone to cooperate more and lighten their work load. Increased cooperation will keep costs down and be a more efficient system…”