On June 28, 2024, China’s National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the Egyptian Patent Office extended their Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) pilot projects for another five years, from July 1, 2024, to June 30, 2029. This agreement aims to streamline the patent application process between the two countries by allowing applicants to request accelerated examination of their patents, fostering faster and more efficient IP protection in both regions.
For patent professionals, this extension enhances cross-border IP strategies, particularly for businesses operating in both African and Chinese markets. As a leading South African IP firm with a pan-African approach, we help clients navigate the PPH framework, leveraging our expertise in African and global IP law to optimize patent protection across key markets. This extension is a strategic advantage for innovators looking to safeguard their intellectual property more efficiently.