A look back at the initial CSP
In 2015, the USPTO signed two independent collaborative search pilot Memorandum of Cooperation (MOC)s – one with the Japan Patent Office (JPO) and another with the Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO). The purpose of these two pilots was to provide our stakeholders with search results from two Offices early in the examination process so the applicant could determine their next steps in patent prosecution.
Both pilots ran for two (2) years. For more general information about our initial pilot programs click here.
JPO Pilot - Ended July 31, 2017
► JPO Pilot began August 1, 2015 through July 31, 2017
For two years, USPTO and JPO exchanged serially developed search and evaluation results identifying more comprehensive prior art and provide a work product that incorporates the efforts of the two Offices. Review the workflow process for a better understanding. The pilot consisted of up to 200 applications per year per office of first search.
Click the following links to visit JPO’s Collaborative Search Pilot Program (CSP) websites: (JPO's CSP English version website) (JPO's CSP Japanese version website)
KIPO Pilot - Ended August 31, 2017
► KIPO-USPTO pilot began September 1, 2015 through August 31, 2017
For two years, KIPO and the USPTO conducted two independent searches and provided both work products to the applicant for consideration. The workflow process provides a better understanding. 200 applications for each office of earliest priority were permitted to be followed each year.
Click the following links to visit KIPO's Collaborative Search Pilot Program (CSP) websites: (KIPO's CSP English version website) (KIPO's CSP Korean version website)
CSP successes and statistics
The applications completed so far in the initial CSP program showed that all offices contributed relevant prior art to the prosecution history – with the result being a significant reduction in prosecution time and that very few applications needed a Request for Continued Examination (RCE) to complete prosecution – with over a 90% allowance rate. The expanded version of the CSP program will build on these successes and continue to improve compact prosecution and enhance patent quality.
| 10/04/2017 |
Petitions
Granted |
% of Goal
Obtained |
Remaining
Slots |
| JPO 8/1/15-7/31/17 * 200 Petitions Per Year |
72 |
36% |
Pilot Complete |
| KIPO 9/1/15-8/31/17 * 400 Petitions Per Office |
112 |
28% |
Pilot Complete |
TC 1600 - Biotechnology and Organic Chemistry
TC 1700 - Chemical and Materials Engineering
TC 2100 - Computer Architecture and Software
TC 2400 - Network, Multiplexing Cable, and Security
TC 2600 - Communications
TC 2800 - Semiconductors/Memory, Optics/Photocopying, Electrical Circuits & Systems and Printing/Measuring & Testing
TC 3600 - Transportation, Construction, Agriculture, Electronic Commerce and National Security
TC 3700 - Mechanical Engineering, Manufacturing, and Medical Devices/Processes
