When did IP Australia become available as an International Searching Authority for U.S. applicants?

IP Australia became available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents on November 1, 2008. This applies to applications filed in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office.

As stated in the MPEP, Since November 1, 2008, the Australian Patent Office (IP Australia) has been available as an International Searching Authority (ISA) for PCT applications filed by U.S. nationals or residents in the U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) as receiving Office or in the International Bureau (IB) as receiving Office. This information was originally announced in the Official Gazette at 1337 OG 265 on December 23, 2008.

To learn more:

• IP Australia
• International Searching Authority
• PCT applications
• U.S. nationals
• U.S. residents