The purpose of this restriction is to optimize the workload of the technical divisions involved, allowing for a more balanced distribution of applications under examination and ensuring that the quality and timeliness of the analysis process are maintained across all technological fields.

All forms of priority procedure for IPC H04 patent applications will be affected, including the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH), with the following exceptions: elderly applicants, applicants with disabilities, applicants suffering from serious illness, and startup applicants. The general limit of 3,200 PPH requests per year will remain in place for 2026.

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