On 1 December 2012, IP Australia will introduce e-filing of all patent and design applications.
Electronic filing applies to:-
The main features of e-filing are:
Therefore, there is a financial incentive for applicants to electronically file all patent and design applications from 1 December 2012. However, as mentioned above, unless all of the inventor and entitlement details are provided at the time of filing or national phase entry, it is not possible to electronically file patent and design applications or electronically enter the national phase.
Therefore all new instructions to file patent and design applications and enter the national phase after 1 December 2012 which do not include these details will be subject to the additional $100 official fee.
If we receive instructions which do not include entitlement details before 29 November 2012, we will ensure that these applications are filed on 30 November 2012 to avoid the extra official fees.