China and Russia have started a one-year patent prosecution highway initiative, according to an announcement by the Chinese Ministry of Commerce. The program started on July 1.
The two countries signed a memorandum of understanding in April to begin the pilot programme. China launched its PPH program with Japan in October 2011. It has also established patent prosecution highways with Germany, the United States, and Korea.
In a previous interview with Managing IP, SIPO commissioner Tian Lipu explained that China is interested in setting up work sharing arrangements to help reduce its patent backlog, and is looking to set up PPH programs with more countries.