The European Patent Office (EPO) has revised its PACE programme for the accelerated prosecution of European patent applications. The notice of 11 September 2026 applies to all PACE requests filed on or after 1 October 2026. The main novelty is that requests can now be filed directly in MyEPO – individually or as a bulk request for several applications at once. Notice concerning the PACE programme, OJ EPO 2026, A44.
What PACE delivers
After a PACE request, the EPO makes every effort to issue the next examination report within three months; as long as the application remains in the programme, the same applies to subsequent communications. This is not binding – acceleration is subject to the workload of the examining divisions. The request is free of charge, is not published and is excluded from file inspection. Since 1 February 2026, PACE has been available for the examination phase only; the request can be filed once, as soon as the examining division has become responsible for the application.
What applies from 1 October 2026
Requests for individual applications are filed online using EPO Form 1005 or in MyEPO; bulk requests only via the dedicated MyEPO feature. Requests on paper will not be processed. Applicants requesting acceleration for all or most of their applications may be asked by the EPO to limit the request to a selection.
What applicants should bear in mind
Acceleration ends permanently if the request is withdrawn, an extension of a time limit is requested, or the application is refused, withdrawn or deemed withdrawn – a second PACE request will then no longer be processed. If a renewal fee is not paid by the due date, accelerated prosecution is suspended. These rules also apply to applications already in the programme. In practice this means: do not request extensions of time limits, and pay renewal fees by the due date rather than within the grace period.
For Euro-PCT applications where the EPO acted as search authority, the request can be filed as early as entry into the European phase. However, it only takes effect on expiry of the period under Rule 161(1) EPC, unless the communication is waived.
We will gladly assess with you whether a PACE request is worthwhile for your European patent application and file it for you via MyEPO – individually or as a bulk request for your portfolio.