Australia’s ongoing role as an international searching and preliminary examination point for patents will be examined by the Joint Standing Committee on Treaties at a public hearing on Monday.
Committee Chair Stuart Robert MP said that the ability for Australians to lodge a single patent that applies throughout the globe removes a complex barrier to innovation and progress.
"The Australian Patent Office’s international searching and preliminary examination role allows Australians seeking an international patent to lodge a single patent that protects their rights in 152 countries," Mr Robert said.
The Australian Patent Office has performed its international patent role since 1980. The treaty being discussed will enable the Australian Patent Office to continue to offer this service.
The treaty will also allow the Australian Patent Office to continue to provide international authority services to developing countries as well as to Brunei Darussalam, New Zealand, the Republic of Korea, Singapore, the United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America.
The committee will also examine scientific cooperation treaties with Italy and Brazil at the hearing.
Public hearing details: 11.00am – 12.15pm, Monday 18 June 2018, Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra
Chair Joint Standing Committee on Treaties ---
