The Headline

The European Patent Office (EPO) has increased its processing efficiency. As a result, accelerated search under the PACE programme is no longer available from 1 February 2026.

For applicants, this reflects progress at the EPO. It also changes how acceleration strategies should be approached.

We outline what this means for you and how to respond.

What Has Changed

Since November 2015, the PACE programme has allowed applicants to request accelerated processing during both the search and examination stages of a European patent application.

Previously:

• Accelerated search aimed to issue the European Search Report within six months of filing.
• Accelerated examination aimed to ensure Examining Division communications were issued within three months of the relevant trigger date.

Accelerated processing could be requested simply by selecting the relevant option on the EPO form.

From 1 February 2026, accelerated search is no longer available.

Why? Because the EPO now issues European Search Reports in an average of five and a half months (based on 2024 figures). In practical terms, accelerated search has become the default standard.

Accelerated examination under PACE remains unchanged.

What Remains Available

PACE examination requests:

• Are free of charge
• Require no justification
• Can be filed once the Examining Division assumes responsibility
• May be filed only once per application
• Are not published and are not visible on the public file

For businesses seeking faster grant, PACE examination remains a valuable mechanism.

But it must be handled carefully.

The Commercial Perspective

Speed in prosecution is rarely just administrative. It is strategic.

You may want acceleration to:

• Support investment or funding rounds
• Strengthen licensing discussions
• Deter competitors
• Secure enforceable rights quickly
• Align grant with product launch

PACE examination can support these objectives.

However, the request can be nullified if procedural deadlines are not met. For example:

• Requesting extensions of time
• Missing renewal fee payments

Acceleration requires discipline and forward planning.

We treat it as a strategic decision, not a box-ticking exercise.

Our Advice

The removal of accelerated search does not reduce your options. It reflects improved EPO efficiency.

If speed to grant matters for your business, PACE examination remains a strong tool. The key is aligning it with your wider commercial strategy and managing the process tightly.

We assess:

• Whether acceleration adds real commercial value
• Whether your internal timelines support it
• How it fits within your broader European and international filing strategy

We move decisively when acceleration creates advantage. We avoid unnecessary steps when it does not.

If you are considering accelerating a European patent application or reassessing an existing filing in light of these changes, we can advise on the most effective route forward.

At Wynne-Jones IP, we focus on outcomes. We protect your position quietly and strategically, ensuring your patent portfolio supports growth, investment, and enforcement across Europe.

Ashleigh Kirs – European Patent Attorney
Stuart Greenwood – UK Chartered and European Patent Attorney
Ian Lambert – Director, UK Chartered and European Patent Attorney