Global IP Information

2026-01-13

USPTO

The reprimand is predicated on Mr. Cheng's violations of these provisions of the United States Patent and Trademark Office ("USPTO") Rules of Professional Conduct in connection with the submission of false Certifications of Micro Entity Status in certain patent applications. See 37 C.F.R. § l.29(a)(2).

2026-01-12

Intellectual Property Office: new fees from 1 April 2026

Others

Guidance for business: setting out how the new patents, trade marks and designs fees will apply

2026-01-12

International search options expand for Australian patent applicants

Others

From 1 March 2026, patent applicants filing in Australia will be able to nominate the Intellectual Property Office of Singapore (IPOS) as their International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA).

2026-01-09

Use of AI to support minute-taking in examination and opposition oral proceedings set to expand

EPO

Approximately 150 oral proceedings since May 2025 were part of a successful pilot in which minutes were drafted with the support of artificial intelligence (AI). Building on positive feedback from users and participating divisions, this AI-assisted approach will be expanded during 2026 to all oral proceedings in examination and opposition, as well as those taking place before the Receiving Section and the Legal Division.

2026-01-06

Taiwan and Israel launched the Patent Prosecution Highway Project (PPH) on January 2, 2026.

TIPO

The Taiwan Intellectual Property Office and the Israel Intellectual Property Office (ILPO) announced the official launch of the Taiwan-Israel Patent Prosecution Highway Project (TIPO-ILPO PPH MOTTAINAI) on January 2, 2026. This project will significantly accelerate the patent examination process between Taiwan and Israel, improve application efficiency, and promote international protection of innovative technologies.

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