What makes this especially exciting is that MyIPO is not just limiting its efforts to Singapore. In fact, MyIPO already has active PPH collaborations with major patent offices worldwide, including the Japan Patent Office (JPO), Korean Intellectual Property Office (KIPO), United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), European Patent Office (EPO), and the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA). These extensive joint efforts open the door for Malaysian applicants to rely on corresponding foreign patents in multiple key jurisdictions, thereby fast-tracking their pending Malaysian applications with greater efficiency.

Launched on 18 January 2025, the MyIPO–IPOS PPH adds a regional dimension to these global linkages. Personally, I see it as a brilliant move that not only boosts examination efficiency but also reflects Malaysia’s commitment to fostering both regional cooperation and global integration in the fast-paced world of intellectual property. This initiative is set to run until 18 January 2027 before being evaluated for continuation and I am optimistic it will prove to be a lasting benefit for innovators, startups, and researchers alike.

Eligibility Requirements

While the recent MyIPO–IPOS PPH initiative is a welcome regional development, it is important to note that the eligibility requirements are essentially identical across all of MyIPO’s PPH agreements, whether the reference application is based on examination results from the JPO, USPTO, KIPO, EPO, CNIPA, or IPOS. In all cases, applicants must satisfy the following:

1. Corresponding Applications – The Malaysian application and the reference application must share the same earliest filing or priority date, whether through the Paris Convention, the PCT, or as divisional applications.

• Patentable Claims Abroad – At least one corresponding foreign application (e.g. JP, US, KR, EP, CN, SG) must have claims determined as allowable/patentable. These determinations may arise from office actions, or from international reports issued when the foreign office acted as ISA or IPEA.

• Claim Correspondence – All claims in the Malaysian application must sufficiently correspond to the patentable claims in the reference application. Claims may be narrower in scope but cannot be broader or introduce entirely new subject matter.

• Examination Status – A Request for Substantive Examination must be filed at MyIPO, either before or together with the PPH request. Importantly, substantive examination must not yet have started.

Required Documents

Applicants seeking to participate in the PPH program must submit:

1. Form PPH1 – Request for Participation. Attached the form with the following documents : 
   – Copies of all office actions from the reference office;
   – Copies of all claims determined to be patentable; and
   – Copies of reference cited by the foreign examiner.

2. A Claim Correspondence Table mapping MyIPO claims to foreign patentable claims.

Where possible, applicants may simply provide a list of documents if they are already retrievable via the AIPN, DAS, or WIPO’s Patentscope. Machine translations are admissible, although MyIPO may require more accurate translations if needed.

Implication for Innovators

Imagine being an inventor filing across multiple jurisdictions and facing years of redundant examinations. The PPH shortens this process dramatically by allowing MyIPO to leverage examination results from trusted partner offices such as JPO, USPTO, KIPO, EPO, CNIPA, and IPOS. Instead of waiting years, applicants can often obtain patents in months, with reduced costs and fewer uncertainties.

This acceleration not only enhances competitiveness but also supports broader ASEAN goals of strengthening regional IP infrastructure, promoting commercialization of innovation, and building a more inclusive IP ecosystem. By removing duplication and fast-tracking approvals, Malaysia positions itself as a proactive partner in the global IP landscape.

Conclusion

From the IP perspective, innovators should seize the opportunity offered by these PPH programs. They are powerful tools for startups, researchers, and established companies alike to turn ideas into protected assets quickly and efficiently, whether targeting Malaysia, ASEAN, or global markets. To maximize the benefits, applicants are encouraged to consult experienced IP professionals to ensure full compliance with the requirements and smooth navigation of the process.

The PPH is not merely a procedural shortcut; it is a strategic enabler of innovation. By aligning with leading patent offices worldwide, MyIPO and its partner offices have created a pathway for both local and foreign applicants to accelerate their filings across multiple jurisdictions. Whether you are a Malaysian innovator seeking faster protection abroad, or an overseas applicant looking to secure timely rights in Malaysia, the PPH removes unnecessary hurdles and delivers efficiency, predictability, and speed, truly a forward-looking step toward global progress in intellectual property.