In order to enhance the efficiency of the global patent system the IP5 Offices endeavour to explore the harmonisation of their practices and procedures.
In response to the impetus provided by the IP5 Industry associations in 2013 with the submission of the (provisional) list of harmonisation topics, the Patent Harmonisation Experts Panel (PHEP, a technical body of the IP5) has initiated work on the following items under the lead of the Offices in brackets:
Significant progress has been made in all three topics. The IP5 Offices produced comprehensive reports outlining the relevant practices of the IP5 Offices regarding unity of invention and citation of prior art and compiled a list of terminology on written description/sufficiency of disclosure.
In July 2015, the IP5 Offices launched a consultation process on these reports.
In August 2018, the IP5 Offices published the report of the first case studies (chemistry field, support requirement) on written description/sufficiency of disclosure.
Work in these areas will continue with a view to
The analysis of the above issues is being done in close co-operation with the stakeholders of the respective IP5 regions.