Monday IPDate March 9, 2026

EPO and IP Australia PCT pilot programme enters into force starting 1 March 2026

As of 1 March 2026, Australian applicants are able to designate the EPO as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), marking the start of a two-year pilot programme.

> EPO and IP Australia PCT pilot programme enters into force starting 1 March 2026

TIPO Expands TIPONet Services: Online Changes to Patent Process Agents Now Available

To optimize administrative efficiency and reduce the burden of correspondence between applicants and the office, TIPO has expanded its “TIPONet” online services. The system now features a new function for patent applicants to add, change, or remove a process agent for patent documents online, enabling more efficient and real-time intellectual property management.

> TIPO Expands TIPONet Services: Online Changes to Patent Process Agents Now Available