The World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) has announced key amendments to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) Regulations, which will come into effect on July 1, 2025. These changes are intended to modernize filing procedures, expand communication languages, and ensure accurate publication of international applications.
Amendments to PCT Regulations (Rule 26 and Rule 89bis):
- Rule 89bis.1 – Filing Medium
Receiving Offices (ROs) may stop accepting paper filings, but may continue to do so only in exceptional circumstances (e.g., meeting a deadline), provided the applicant resubmits electronically within two months. The International Bureau (IB,) acting as an RO, must continue to accept paper filings. - Rule 92 – Languages of Communication
The IB may now communicate with Offices and applicants in any of the 10 PCT publication languages, extending beyond English and French. This will be introduced gradually through updates to the Administrative Instructions. - Rule 26.3ter – Translation of Abstracts/Drawings
A legal basis is now established for requiring applicants to provide a translation of the abstract and/or any text in drawings that are filed in a language accepted by the ISA but not in the publication language.
Handling Fee Change (Effective 1 July 2025)
Starting 1 July 2025, the handling fee payable to certain International Preliminary Examining Authorities (IPEAs) will change:
- CIPO (Canada): CAD 335
- CNIPA (China): CNY 1,750
- SAIP (Saudi Arabia): SAR 911
WIPO Bank Details for Fee Payments
WIPO’s bank name, IBAN, and SWIFT codes will change.
- Applicants must update their records and use the new bank details for wire transfers in CHF, USD, or EUR.
- Old account details will remain active for a transitional period (so users have time to update).
- Online payment methods and accepted currencies (CHF, USD, EUR) will remain unchanged.
- Updated banking information will be available on WIPO’s “Paying for IP Services” pages shortly.
Benefits of the New PCT Changes (July 2025)
- Fewer Mistakes – Clearer rules mean fewer chances of your application being rejected.
- Better Cost Planning – Updated fees help you plan your budget more accurately.
- Faster Fixes – Small errors can be corrected quickly, saving time.
- Easier Global Filing – Filing in different countries is now simpler and more consistent.
- Good for Startups – The process is easier and more affordable for small businesses.
Challenges of the New PCT Changes
- Higher Fees for Some – The new costs may be tough for startups or small inventors.
- New Rules to Learn – It takes time to understand and adjust to the updates.
- Less Room for Error – Stricter rules mean small mistakes can cause bigger problems.
- Still Some Differences Across Countries – Not all processes are the same yet, so extra care is needed.
Conclusion
The new PCT rule changes from July 2025 aim to make the international patent process clearer, faster, and more consistent. While there may be some learning and cost challenges, these updates overall help inventors and businesses protect their ideas more effectively across the globe.