PCT Fees Change - January 2026
Summary
IP Australia has announced changes to Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) fees, which will take effect on January 1, 2026. The notice details new Australian Dollar (AUD) amounts for international filing, search, and preliminary examination fees, including reductions for e-filing.
What changed
IP Australia, through its Official Notices, has published updated fee schedules for the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) effective January 1, 2026. The changes introduce new AUD amounts for various international PCT fees, including the International Search fee, International Filing Fee (with e-filing reductions and per-page charges for applications exceeding 30 pages), Certified Copy fees, and Specification copy fees. Additionally, International Preliminary Examination and Handling fees are updated, with different amounts depending on whether IP Australia performed the International Search.
Regulated entities involved in international patent filings through the PCT system must review these updated fee structures to ensure accurate payment from January 1, 2026. While the notice itself is informational and does not impose new compliance obligations beyond payment, understanding these fee changes is crucial for budgeting and accurate submission of international patent applications and related examinations. No specific compliance deadline is mentioned beyond the effective date of the fee changes.
What to do next
- Review updated PCT fee schedule for international filing, search, and examination.
- Budget for new AUD fee amounts effective January 1, 2026.
Source document (simplified)
Patent Cooperation Treaty Fees Change - 1 January 2026
In accordance with the directives adopted by the PCT Assembly during the month of October of each year, new equivalent amounts in AUD will be established with effect from 1 January 2026.
International PCT Fees
Effective 1 January 2026
| 1. International Search fee | | $2200 |
| 2. International filing Fee | | $2526 |
| | If the application contains 30 pages or fewer, including the request form | |
| | E-filing reductions | |
| | Electronic filings filed in PDF format via ePCT | - $380 |
| | Electronic filings filed in XML format via ePCT | - $570 |
| | PLUS | |
| | For each page in the application in excess of 30 sheets | $28 |
| 3. Cost of preparing Certified Copy of Basic Document | | $50
per document |
| 4. Copies of Specifications cited in the International Search Report | | $50
per copy |
International Preliminary Examination Fees
Effective 1 January 2026
| 1. International Preliminary Examination Fee | | |
| | If the International Search was performed by IP Australia | $590 |
| | If the International Search was not performed by IP Australia | $820 |
| 2. International Preliminary Handling Fee | | $380 |
| | Total if Search performed by IP Australia | $970 |
| | Total if Search not performed by IP Australia | $1200 |
Learn more about the Patent Cooperation Treaty.
Published date 22 December 2025 Our website uses cookies to improve your experience. Learn more about how we use and collect data Accept Opt Out
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