EPO revises PACE programme for accelerated prosecution from February 2026
The European Patent Office has recently published a revised framework for the Programme for Accelerated Prosecution of European Patent Applications (PACE). The update reflects the EPO’s sustained improvements in procedural timeliness and introduces targeted changes that focus acceleration on the examination phase of European patent applications.
Why the PACE framework has been revised
Since its introduction, PACE has been a key mechanism for applicants seeking faster processing of their European patent filings. Previously, applicants could request accelerated handling during both the search and examination stages. According to the EPO’s latest data, the average time to issue the extended or partial European search report in 2024 was approximately five and a half months, reflecting consistent performance improvements. The Office has accordingly concluded that dedicated acceleration of the search phase is no longer necessary.
The revised PACE regime aligns with the EPO’s broader strategic objectives, including those articulated in the Strategic Plan 2028, which emphasize timeliness and procedural certainty.
Key changes under the revised PACE programme
Under the revised rules, PACE acceleration will be available only during the examination phase of prosecution. Requests for accelerated search will no longer be accepted as from 1 February 2026. Applicants should plan their filing and response strategy to ensure that acceleration is sought at the appropriate stage, typically when the examining division assumes responsibility for the application file.
Confidentiality and form requirements
PACE requests remain confidential. They are not published and are excluded from public file inspection, preserving strategic discretion. Applicants should use the dedicated EPO Form 1005, filed through the EPO’s online services.
Operational commitments under accelerated examination
When a PACE request is granted, the EPO aims to issue the next office action within three months of the latest relevant filing or response. Subsequent communications are also targeted to be dispatched within similar timeframes, supporting predictability and speed in prosecution.
Removal and suspension of PACE status
An application may be removed from the PACE programme for several reasons, including the applicant’s withdrawal of the request, refusal or withdrawal of the application, or a request for an extension of time limits. Important to note is that also failure to pay renewal fees by the due date will also suspend accelerated prosecution. Once an application is removed, a new PACE request cannot be submitted.
Implications for European and Euro-PCT filings
For Euro-PCT applications where the EPO acted as the international searching authority (ISA), accelerated examination may, in principle, be requested on entry into the European phase or alongside a response to the international search report. Even so, a separate PACE request is required to trigger accelerated examination.
Contact us
If you would like advice on how the revised PACE framework may affect your European patent applications or whether accelerated examination is appropriate for your strategy, our patent administration and attorney teams are happy to assist.
Contact us today
Written by:
Heidi Bergersen has worked as an IP administrator at Bryn Aarflot since 2008 and has extensive knowledge of patent administration, including formal requirements and online filing in Norway, before the EPO, and under the PCT. She has strong expertise in handling EP patent applications for foreign applicants, ensuring smooth processing and compliance with European requirements.
Petter Andrésen leads the IP administration department at Bryn Aarflot, bringing over 25 years of experience in intellectual property. He is particularly focused on efficient, customer-oriented case management at the European Patent Office. In 2022, he was among the first to pass the newly introduced European Patent Administration Certification (EPAC).