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Startups gain 3 fast tracks for patents! IP Office expands eligibility, speeds up review sixfold

From Liberty Times · () Chinese

Translated from Chinese, summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

News Named sources New plan
  • Taiwan's Intellectual Property Office is expanding its fast-track patent review for startups, potentially reducing review times by sixfold.
  • The initiative aims to help startups secure market protection, boost valuations, and expand internationally by obtaining patents more quickly.
  • Several accelerated review programs are available, including those with fee waivers, designed to lower risks and costs for new ventures.

Taiwan's Intellectual Property Office (IPO) is enhancing its support for the startup ecosystem by expanding its expedited patent review mechanisms. This initiative aims to help new companies establish a competitive edge by securing patents more rapidly, thereby facilitating market protection, improving their chances of securing funding, and enabling international expansion.

The IPO announced on June 16 that startups can now benefit from several accelerated examination programs. These include the "Startup IP Fast Track Pilot Program," the "Accelerated Examination for Invention Patents (AEP)," and "Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH)" agreements with countries like the United States, Japan, and South Korea. These programs are designed to significantly shorten the time it takes to convert technological innovations into patent assets, reducing infringement risks.

According to the IPO, startups utilizing these accelerated mechanisms can see their patent review times reduced by up to six times compared to the standard process. Some programs also offer fee waivers, providing substantial cost and time savings for new entrepreneurs. The "Startup IP Fast Track Pilot Program," which began in 2021, has been expanded to include companies that have received national innovation awards within the past two years and those guided by the IPO through government-funded R&D projects. Last year, this program processed 75 applications with an average review period of just 65.8 days, a stark contrast to the typical 13.8 months for a standard invention patent.

IPO Director General Liao Cheng-wei emphasized that these measures are intended to provide startups with the necessary tools to navigate their entrepreneurial journey more efficiently. The office also offers comprehensive support, including pre-search services, intellectual property consultations, and investment matchmaking, all aimed at transforming Taiwan's technological advancements into global competitive advantages and securing a strong position in international markets.

The IPO hopes to give startups a fishing rod, so they don't take detours on their entrepreneurial journey.

— Liao Cheng-weiExplaining the purpose of the expanded patent review programs.
DistantNews Editorial

Originally published by Liberty Times in Chinese. Translated, summarized, and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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