Latest Figures for 2009
In the first quarter of 2009, Nordic Patent Institute received 32 PCT applications, 1 request for an International Type Search (ITS), and 6 demands for a Written Opinion (WO) under Chapter 2.

This is an increase compared to 2008, although still below budget. The number of applications filed during April however, shows a significant increase, and the number of applications for the first four months has now reached 50.

Since January 2009, the Institute has offered Supplementary International Searches (SIS). So far, less than 10 requests for an SIS have been filed worldwide, none of them with Nordic Patent Institute. However, this is a completely new PCT service and it is too early to say how great the demand will be.

See our web site for:
- Annual Financial Report 2008 (PDF file)
- status for 2008 and key issues for 2009

Niels Ravn, Director

News on the future of the PCT System
The Director General of WIPO has issued a memorandum on the Future of the PCT. The paper was discussed at the recent Meeting of International Authorities under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The aim is to establish a roadmap for making the PCT system as efficient and useful as possible. The draft road map will be discussed again at the meeting of the PCT Working Group in the beginning of May this year before it is put on the agenda of the General Assemblies in September.

Some of the main results can be found on our website.
Read more

New fees apply from 1 May 2009
Certain fees paid in Norwegian or Icelandic currency have been revised, taking effect from 1 May 2009. The changes concern international filing fees charged by the International Bureau of WIPO. The basic fee is now NOK 8.200 and the fee reduction for e-filing using PCT-easy or PDF is now NOK 620. For fees charged by Nordic Patent Institute as an ISA, the international search fee is now ISK 284.000 and NOK 15.910. The changes are caused by fluctuations in currency exchange rates. 

See the pricelist
 

Nordic Patent Institute - in brief

Upcoming account system
We are continously in dialogue with the users of Nordic Patent Institute in order to improve and develop our services. This means, that we are now looking in to the possibility of establishing an account system for our frequent users, including the terms for such a system.

Written Opinion and Demand
Nordic Patent Institute has a clear policy that our practices should be as flexible and efficient as possible within the limits of the PCT system.
When filing an international patent application with the European Patent Office (EPO) as International Search Authority (ISA), an International Search Report (ISR) and Written Opinion (WO) are received from EPO, giving applicants the opportunity to choose either EPO or Nordic Patent Institute in Stage 2, when submitting a Demand.

Marketing Nordic Patent Institute
Nordic Patent Institute has signed an agreement for sales and marketing activities with its member states. The agreement focuses on general activities such as issuing this newsletter, and maintaining and developing the web site. Furthermore, we have sent direct mails to IP professionals, and represented Nordic Patent Institute at fairs, meetings and sales visits.

Read more about us at Nordic Patent Institute