The Japanese Patent Office signed a memorandum of cooperation (MOC) with India's Department of Industrial Policy and Promotion (DIPP) in July 2015. After two successful
review meetings, it was agreed in principle on 22 August 2018 to start a bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program on a pilot basis in the first quarter of fiscal year 2019. This will be the first PPH program for India.
The Ministries also agreed to continue to exchange information related to IT infrastructure in the respective IP offices. This move will also impact IP awareness in developing nations.
The PPH agreement will start once the necessary formalities have been completed, which includes a change in the Indian Patent Rules.
