What are the fees associated with a Supplementary International Search?

This page is an FAQ based on guidance from the Manual of Patent Examining Procedure. It is provided as guidance, with links to the ground truth sources. This is information only: it is not legal advice.

There are two main fees associated with a Supplementary International Search (SIS):

1. Supplementary search handling fee: This fee covers the costs of the International Bureau (IB). According to PCT Rule 45bis.2(a), The supplementary search request shall be subject to the payment of a fee for the benefit of the International Bureau (“supplementary search handling fee”) as set out in the Schedule of Fees.
2. Supplementary search fee: This fee is set by each Supplementary International Searching Authority (SISA). As stated in PCT Rule 45bis.3(a), Each International Searching Authority carrying out supplementary international searches may require that the applicant pay a fee (“supplementary search fee”) for its own benefit for carrying out such a search.

Both fees must be paid to the International Bureau in Swiss francs within one month of filing the request for SIS. Applicants from certain States may be eligible for a 90% reduction in the supplementary search handling fee.