New PACE program entered into force as of February 1, 2026,
EPO’s efforts to issue the extended/partial European search report for European patent applications within six months of the filing date or of expiry of the period under Rule 161 EPC for Euro-PCT applications led EPO to update the PACE programme
Under the new regime, it is no longer possible to file a PACE request for search stage (as EPO already issues search reports swiftly for all applications).
A request for participation in the PACE programme (PACE request) may be filed only once during the examination stage of the procedure and for one application at a time. A PACE request for accelerated examination may be filed only once the examining division becomes responsible for examining the European patent application.
Requests for accelerated examination are not published and are excluded from file inspection.
A European patent application will be removed from the PACE programme for any of the following reasons:
- the PACE request has been withdrawn
- the applicant has requested an extension of time limits
- the application has been refused
- the application has been withdrawn
- the application is deemed to be withdrawn
Failure to pay renewal fees by the due date stipulated in Rule 51(1) EPC would lead to suspension of the PACE program.
When accelerated examination is requested, the EPO makes every effort to issue the next office action within three months of the examining division's receipt of the application, the applicant's response under Rule 70a or 161(1) EPC or the request for accelerated examination (whichever is latest).
The EPO strives to produce subsequent examination communications within three months of receipt of the applicant's reply, provided that the application is still being processed under the PACE programme.