Patents examination time slashed!
24 Feb 2011
The impact of a number of strategies has helped us to significantly reduce the average examination time for patents from an average of 16 months in 2009 to 11 months.
Innovators can look forward to quicker turnaround times as the waiting list of pending patent applications has also come down, from over 75 000 in January 2009 to 59,482.
With the current rate of progress, the examination time is expected to be reduced even further to nine months by the end of 2011. We are determined to ensure this trend continues without sacrificing any of our quality or service standards.
In addition to this improvement, eco-friendly innovators applying for 'green patents' for inventions or processes that promote energy conservation and sustainability - innovators can take advantage of a fast track service that allows examination within a month.
The strategies being used compliment our package of work to help innovators and businesses get the protection they need to expand and compete globally.
We have a range of projects designed to make the IP system work more efficiently for innovators and businesses by raising patent thresholds, improving access to patent records and collaborating with other countries to avoid duplication of work.
Last Updated: 15/9/2012
