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ARTICLE · 02 SEPTEMBER 2016

Zero sum game? Australian Patent Office fee changes

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Some fees will be reduced or eliminated while other fees will increase, for Australian patents and patent applications.

AustraliaIntellectual Property
Andrew Lowe
Andrew Lowe
Russell Davies
Russell Davies
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From 10 October 2016, some official fees will be reduced or eliminated while other fees have been increased for all Australian patents and patent applications.

Executive Summary

  • From 10 October 2016, new official fee changes will take effect for all Australian patents and patent applications.
  • International-type search fees have been reduced by more than 50%
  • Some opposition fees have been abolished.
  • Renewal fees from the 10th year anniversary onwards have been increased.
  • Fees for the provision of documents have been simplified.

The Australian Patent Office has recently undertaken review of its fee structure and has now implemented several changes that will be of some benefit to applicants and other users of the patent system.

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