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Procedural patent prosecution law USPTO compared to EPO; Overview

August 13, 2026

The following blog series compares procedural patent prosecution options between the USPTO and the EPO.

Search and examination at the USPTO and the EPO

August 13, 2026

These searches are conducted by the USPTO and the EPO searching for the “prior art”

Continuing patent application at the USPTO and the EPO

August 13, 2026

As typical in many other jurisdictions, filing any of these continuing patent application needs to

Appeals at the USPTO and EPO

August 13, 2026

In many cases, filing an appeal is not the most economical solution compared to other

Acceleration of patent prosecution at the USPTO and EPO

August 13, 2026

The USPTO has made significant efforts over the last years to speed up prosecution, even

Quick reference guide proceedings USPTO and EPO

August 13, 2026

Search and examination is combined and performed by one Examiner, resulting in more flexibility on

Broadening claims at the EPO

August 13, 2026

Broadening claims is generally understood as removing a claim limitation, regardless of whether other claim

PCT and EPO Search Fees; Unity of Invention (Part 2)

August 13, 2026

Although it may be expensive and sometimes cost-prohibitive for the Applicant to fix the problem

PCT and EPO Search Fees; Unity of Invention (Part 1)

August 13, 2026

Searches are conducted by Patent Offices searching for “prior art” that is relevant for the