EPO and IP Australia to launch a PCT pilot programme for Australian applicants

The European Patent Office and IP Australia are due to launch a pilot programme allowing Australian PCT applicants to select the EPO as the International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) for their international applications.

The programme will commence on 1 March 2026 and will run for two years.

To be eligible, the PCT application must be filed with the IP Australia or the International Bureau as the receiving office.

The pilot programme will allow Australian applicants to benefit from EPO’s high-quality searches and written opinions.  Applicants taking advantage of the pilot programme will also benefit during the regional phase before the EPO in terms of cost and processing time.

PCT applications for which the EPO acted as the ISA do not generally need to be searched during the regional phase before the EPO; thus, the search stage and the associated search fee can be bypassed. Furthermore, in cases where the EPO acted as the IPEA, a substantial reduction in the examination fee will be available.

If you have any questions on the pilot programme or entering the EPO regional phase more generally, feel free to get in touch.  

This article is for general information only and is not intended to constitute legal advice. If you would like tailored advice on a specific matter, please do not hesitate to contact me.