The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) pilot programme between the China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) and the European Patent Office (EPO) will continue until 30 November 2031. Nationals and residents of the People's Republic of China will continue to have the option to select the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA).

The heads of the two offices agreed to the extension of the pilot at their bilateral heads of office meeting in Porto on 22 September.

                                                                                                           Source. www. cnipa.gov.cn