Key Updates on Third-Party Observations, Inquiry, and PACE (Effective 1 February 2026)
Third-Party Observations
The EPO has introduced a renewed online form and clarified the procedural practice concerning third-party observations.
Our firm is already operating in accordance with these practices, and no procedural changes are required on our side.
For further details on third-party observations before the EPO, please also refer to the article available on our
website by clicking here.
The EPO has introduced a renewed online form and clarified the procedural practice concerning third-party observations.
Our firm is already operating in accordance with these practices, and no procedural changes are required on our side.
For further details on third-party observations before the EPO, please also refer to the article available on our
website by clicking here.
Inquiry (Status Enquiries on Pending Applications)
From 1 February 2026, the requirements for filing an Inquiry will become stricter. An Inquiry concerns a request for status information on a pending application; however, in the following special cases, the procedure will automatically result in accelerated examination:
The application is already under PACE; or
An Inquiry was previously filed, and the EPO did not issue an office action within the timeframe previously
indicated by the Office.
In such cases, the EPO must issue the next office action within one month from receipt of the Inquiry.
PACE (Programme for Accelerated Prosecution)
PACE requests at the search stage will be discontinued, and PACE requests may be filed only during the
examination stage (one request per application).
Any request for extension of time limits, withdrawal, refusal, deemed withdrawal, or non-payment of renewal fees
will result in automatic removal from PACE (with no possibility of reinstatement).
While under PACE, the EPO aims to issue the next office action within approximately three months.
Applicants who systematically file numerous PACE requests may be required by the EPO to limit the number of
such requests.
We will monitor to what extent the EPO will strictly apply this rule, and if necessary, we will propose and follow up
with the appropriate course of action.
Should you have any further questions, please feel free to contact us at any time.
