Australian Patent Applicants Gain New International Search Options

IP Australia News

Published March 1st, 2026

Detected March 21st, 2026

Summary

IP Australia announced that as of March 1, 2026, Australian patent applicants can now choose the European Patent Office (EPO) or the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) for international search and examination under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This expansion aims to provide greater choice, reduce costs, and enhance flexibility for Australian innovators in their global patent strategies.

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What changed

IP Australia has expanded international search options for Australian patent applicants under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), effective March 1, 2026. Applicants can now select the European Patent Office (EPO) or the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA). This initiative is part of a pilot program with the EPO, offering streamlined processes, reduced costs, and potential fee discounts for European phase examination, and leverages IPOS's expertise in searching Chinese prior art.

This change provides Australian innovators with more flexibility and potentially lower costs for international patent protection. Compliance officers should inform relevant patent departments and inventors about these new options. Specific benefits include a 75% discount on EPO examination fees for those choosing EPO for preliminary examination. The new arrangements apply to PCT applications filed from March 1, 2026.

What to do next

Inform patent applicants and inventors of new international search authority options (EPO and IPOS) available from March 1, 2026.
Review cost-saving benefits and streamlined processes offered by the EPO and IPOS for international patent applications.
Update internal guidance on international patent filing strategies to incorporate these new options.

Source document (simplified)

New international search options now available

Patent applicants can now choose the European Patent Office (EPO) or Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) for international search and examination.

From today (1 March 2026), Australian innovators can access expanded international search options under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), giving them more choice, reduced costs and greater flexibility in their international patent strategy.

Patent applicants in Australia can now nominate either the European Patent Office (EPO) or the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the PCT.

The new ISA options complement our existing international search arrangements which include recognising the Korean Ministry of Intellectual Property (MOIP), and reflect IP Australia’s role as steward of a high quality patent system that supports Australian innovators competing in global markets.

“As Australian innovators navigate changes in market opportunities and economic conditions, it’s more important than ever that our intellectual property system remains globally connected,” IP Australia Director General Michael Schwager said.

“By expanding the choice of international search authorities, we’re giving applicants more options in how they manage patent protection overseas, and upholding our commitment to deliver an IP system that helps support a more productive and resilient economy.”

Under a 2-year pilot program with the EPO, Australian applicants who choose the EPO as their ISA will benefit from streamlined processes and reduced costs and no supplementary search when entering the European phase. Applicants who choose EPO for International Preliminary Examination can also receive a 75% discount on European phase examination fees.

The ongoing arrangement with IPOS will benefit applicants who require searches of Chinese prior art, allowing them to draw on the expertise of examiners based in key target markets.

Both arrangements apply to PCT applications filed from 1 March 2026. For more information and guidance visit:

Published date 01 March 2026 Patents Apply Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more about how we use and collect data Accept Opt Out