IP Australia is to become an international search and examination authority for PCT applications filed with the USPTO.
The USPTO receives more than 520,000 PCT applications each year and applicants can choose from a number of international searching and examination authorities.
IP Australia is already a search and examination authority for 17 countries.
The move comes following a pilot programme between IP Australia and the USPTO during which IP Australia processed 390 PCT applications during one year.
Though the pilot will not be continuing, IP Australia and the USPTO will explore further work-sharing arrangements.
