EPO Pilot for Australian Patent Applicants

IP Australia is launching a pilot program with the European Patent Office (EPO) effective March 1, 2026. Australian patent applicants will be able to use the EPO for international searches and preliminary examinations, potentially reducing European phase examination fees.

EPO and IP Australia PCT Pilot Programme

IP Australia and the European Patent Office (EPO) are launching a two-year pilot program starting March 1, 2026. Under this program, Australian applicants filing international patent applications can choose the EPO as their International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority.

Australia-Singapore Patent Search Arrangement

IP Australia has announced a new arrangement with the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) that will allow Australian patent applicants to nominate IPOS as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) starting March 1, 2026. This provides Australian applicants with expanded search options, particularly for Chinese prior art, and access to the expertise of examiners in key markets.

CREO Global Capital LLC and Peter Savarino - Consent Order

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has issued a Consent Order against CREO Global Capital LLC and Peter Savarino for alleged violations of securities regulations. The order requires them to pay a $1,000 civil fine and engage a consultant to review their policies and procedures.

Crowd Freak, LLC - Notice and Order to Cease and Desist

The Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs has issued a Notice and Order to Cease and Desist against Crowd Freak, LLC for offering and selling unregistered securities. The company is not registered with the state and has not identified any relevant exemptions from registration requirements.

EPA Proposed Rule on Incinerators

The EPA has issued a proposed rule concerning incinerators, with a comment period closing in 44 days. This action is part of the agency's ongoing efforts to regulate emissions from industrial facilities.

WIPO PCT Office Feedback Survey Invitation

WIPO has issued a circular inviting PCT Offices to participate in the 'PCT Office Feedback Survey 2024-2025'. The survey aims to assess satisfaction with WIPO's International Bureau services and identify areas for improvement. Responses are requested by March 6, 2026.

Colombia Proposes PCT Rules Amendment

Colombia has submitted a proposal to amend PCT Rules 4.1(a) and 5.1(a) and modify PCT Administrative Instructions to add a new Section 219. The proposal is being considered by the WIPO PCT Working Group. The notes verbales indicate a desire for the proposal to be explicitly included on the agenda for the Nineteenth Session.

WIPO PCT Proposes Full Text PDF Versions for International Applications

WIPO is proposing to make full text PDF versions of international patent applications, including color and greyscale drawings, available to the public. This consultation seeks feedback on changes to the PCT system to accommodate these new formats alongside the existing black and white publication.

WIPO PCT Working Group Adds Treaty Item on Genetic Resources

The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has added a supplementary item to the PCT Working Group's agenda concerning a potential treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge. This addition reflects a request received on December 29, 2025, and is included in the revised draft agenda for the Nineteenth session.