Global IP Information

2026-05-21

USPTO begins issuing requirements for information under the PIER pilot program for national stage applications

USPTO

The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) recently published a Federal Register Notice announcing the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Informed Examination Request (PIER) Pilot Program. The program is designed to assess the inventory and efficiency impacts of requiring an applicant to request examination in view of applicable PCT international phase work product

2026-05-19

Strong progress continues on design patent examination

USPTO

As of May 18, 2026, design patent examiners continued to drive down the inventory of unexamined design patent applications by over 28% year-to-year to 62,166 applications awaiting first action (compared to over 86,453 applications in January 2025).

2026-05-15

On 15 May 2026, the USPTO announced that a new dollar amount has been established for the search fee required by the JPO when acting as an International Searching Authority. The new dollar amount of the search fee required by the JPO will be $1,059 and will go into effect June 1, 2026.

USPTO

2026-05-14

USPTO issues precedential decision detailing the principles underlying the Director’s exercise of discretion

USPTO

In this decision, the Director explains that, in the Leahy-Smith America Invents Act (AIA), Congress afforded significant discretion to the Director in instituting AIA reviews, including inter partes reviews (IPRs) and post-grant reviews. In exercising that discretion, the Director considers public interest factors, including the economy, efficient administration of the Office, the ability of the Office to timely complete AIA reviews, and the integrity of the patent system.

2026-05-13

EPO member states convene for their 20th annual co-operation meeting

EPO

The EPO held its 20th annual co-operation meeting with national patent offices on 11 and 12 May 2026 in Split, Croatia. The event focused on the future of innovation in Europe, bringing together over 80 participants, including 27 heads of office and key stakeholders, to discuss the key forces shaping innovation ecosystems and to define shared priorities for the European Patent Network (EPN).

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