USPTO News: IP Australia to Provide International Search and Examination Services for Certain PCT Applications

    By Christopher P. Singer --

In a September 25, 2008 press release the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office announced that it has entered into an agreement with IP Australia (IPAU), whereby IPAU will act as an International Searching Authority (ISA) and an International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) for certain Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) applications filed with the USPTO.  The agreement is scheduled to go into effect on November 1, 2008, and is intended to help reduce the growing backlog of U.S. national patent applications waiting to be examined.  An IPAU-based international search (as the ISA) will cost $1514 for applicants, which is less than the corresponding USPTO fee to act as the ISA ($1800, as of Oct. 2, 2008).  Applicants further selecting IPAU as the Preliminary Examination Authority will pay an international preliminary examination fee of $550 (AUS) and a handling fee of $196 (AUS) directly to IPAU.  Applications relating to mechanical engineering or similar technology fields could be excluded from eligibility.