6.3.5.2 Supplementary International Search Report

Date Published

Key Legislation:

From 1 July 2017, applicants will have the option of requesting a supplementary international search in relation to any international application for which the 22 months period under Rule 45bis.1(a) has not expired by that date. The supplementary search will be conducted by a different Authority to the one which conducted the main international search.

The examiners should note that any supplementary international search reports which are transmitted to IP Australia in sufficient time should be taken into account for the purpose of the written opinion or international preliminary examination report as if they were a part of the main international search report. On the other hand, supplementary international search reports do not need to be taken into account if they are received by IP Australia after the examiner has started to draw up an opinion or report.