What is the PPH?
The PPH is like a fast lane for patent examination. If you file your patent in another country and the examiner there finds your invention to be patentable, you can use that decision to request faster examination when filing in the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO).
Think of it this way: If one trusted country says your idea is good enough for a patent, the U.S. may trust that opinion and move your application up the line for quicker review.
How Does It Work?
Let’s say you filed your first patent in Japan or Europe, and they allowed at least one of your claims. Now, you file the same invention in the U.S. If the claims in the U.S. application are similar to those that were approved abroad, you can request the USPTO to fast-track your application through the PPH program.
The examiner in the U.S. doesn’t blindly accept the earlier decision, but it gives them a strong starting point. This can save both time and cost.
What Do You Need to Apply for PPH in the U.S.?
Here’s what’s usually required:
- A U.S. patent application must be pending (not yet granted or abandoned).
- You must have a foreign patent application with at least one allowed claim.
- The claims in the U.S. must match or be similar to the allowed claims in the other country.
- You’ll need to submit documents showing the foreign examiner’s decision and a simple comparison chart of claims.
- Most importantly, there’s no fee to file a PPH request in the U.S.
Why Use the PPH?
- Faster examination – Decisions can come in months, not years.
- Lower legal costs – Fewer rounds of back-and-forth with the examiner.
- Predictability – If one office already approved it, there’s a good chance others will too.
Things to Remember
- Not every country is part of the PPH. But the U.S. has agreements with many, including Japan, Canada, Korea, Europe, China, Australia, and others.
- The claims you submit must be very similar to what was approved earlier. Big changes may not be allowed under the PPH route.
- This is an option, not a requirement. You can still go through the normal process if you prefer.
Final Thoughts
If you’re an inventor or a company filing patents in multiple countries, the PPH can be a smart strategy to save time and money. Especially if you’ve already got an approval in another country, using the PPH to fast-track your U.S. application could bring your patent to life much faster.
However, with the right paperwork and guidance, it’s an option worth using.
