In the current economic climate, intellectual property is more than just legal protection; it is a critical business asset. However, the traditional route to obtaining a granted UK patent, whether through a direct filing or a European patent validated in the UK, typically spans two to five years.

For start-ups and SMEs, this delay can be costly. Delays in grant can weaken investor confidence, complicate licensing negotiations, and ultimately stall the journey from innovation to commercialisation.

Fortunately, both the UK Intellectual Property Office (UKIPO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) provide several mechanisms to significantly compress this timeline. As of February 2026, recent procedural updates, particularly regarding the EPO’s PACE programme, have made a well-planned prosecution strategy more essential than ever.

By leveraging "Fast-Track" routes, such as the Green Channel or the Patent Prosecution Highway, savvy businesses can secure their rights in a fraction of the standard time, often without incurring additional official fees.

Accelerated Search and/or Examination

At the UKIPO, an applicant can submit a reasoned request for accelerated search and/or examination. There is no official fee for this request. Adequate reasons include, but are not limited to:

- The applicant being aware of a potential infringer.

- The need for a granted patent to secure investment.

- Relevant ongoing commercial negotiations (e.g., licensing deals).

The Green Channel

As an incentive to encourage the development of green technology, the UKIPO has a so-called Green Channel to fast-track any technology that provides an environmental benefit. 

Such a request must be made in writing and indicate how the technology for which protection is sought provides an environmental benefit and which stages they wish to accelerate (e.g., search, examination, combined search and examination and/or publication).

There is no official fee associated with accelerated processing using the Green Channel. Although the UKIPO will not conduct any detailed investigation into whether the technology provides an environmental benefit, requests will be refused if they are clearly unfounded.

Combined Search & Examination (CSE)

Typically the deadline for requesting examination of a UK patent application is six months after publication (which usually occurs 18 months after filing of the same). However a combined search and examination can be requested at the UKIPO on filing.

This “fast-tracks” the applicant’s opportunity to address any objections from the Examiner and so expedites the process of putting the application in order for grant. No reason is required for requesting a combined search and examination.

Strategic Note: A UK patent cannot grant until at least 3 months after publication. To achieve the fastest possible grant, we recommend combining a CSE request with a request for Early Publication.

Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)

The Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) is a programme to fast-track patent examination for eligible patent applications based on positive examination by another patent office (so-called office of earlier examination). In particular the PHH relies on a network of agreements between participating patent offices, including the IP5 (pilot) PHH, the Global PPH (GPPH) and various bilateral PPH agreements.

The IP5 PPH is an agreement between Chinese Intellectual Property Office (SIPO), Japanese Patent Office (JPO), Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), EPO and the United States Patent and Trade Mark Office (USPTO). 

The GPPH is an agreement between over 25 direct participants including Australian Patent Office, Canadian Patent Office, German Patent and Trade Mark Office, JIPO, KIPO, Intellectual Property Office of New Zealand, UKIPO, and USPTO. 

Whilst many patent offices also have bilateral agreements that are compatible with the IP5 PPH and GPPH, thereby providing PPH programs that are operational worldwide. 

For example under GPPH agreement, if an applicant seeking patent protection in the UK already has claims allowed in another GPPH office (e.g., at the USPTO) in respect of a counterpart patent application; then the applicant can submit a PPH form requesting accelerated examination of a UK patent application directed to the same claims, based on the positive opinion form the office of earlier examination. However it should be noted that filing a PPH request at the UKIPO - or any other intellectual property office - does not guarantee allowance.

The PHH is free to request and can significantly reduce the cost associated with prosecuting patent applications across multiple jurisdictions.

Revised PACE Programme (EPO)

As of 1 February 2026, the EPO has updated the Programme for Accelerated Prosecution of European Patent Applications (PACE):

- Examination Only: PACE is now exclusively available for the examination stage. The EPO no longer offers accelerated search through PACE, as their standard search timelines have improved to an average of 5.5 months.

- Maintenance: An application is removed from PACE if an extension of time is requested or if renewal fees are not paid by the normal deadline.

- Speed: Once PACE is granted, the EPO aims to issue the next communication within three months.

Strategic Note: Act Before 1 April 2026 

The UKIPO has confirmed that official fees, including those for search, examination, and renewals, will increase by an average of 25% to 33% on 1 April 2026. By acting now, businesses can take advantage of current lower rates while utilizing the fast-track schemes detailed above. 

Summary

There are several approaches that can be used to accelerate patent prosecution at the UKIPO and EPO. The approaches available depend on where the application was filed, the technology for which protection is sought, and the stage of proceedings. To obtain the fastest possible grant of a patent, it is important to consider an appropriate prosecution strategy as early as possible (preferably prior to filing). 

The attorneys at Secerna LLP have extensive experience in navigating these strategies to ensure your innovation is protected swiftly and efficiently.

For further information or to review your portfolio strategy, please contact us at docketing@secerna.com.