IP Resources

Taiwan procedures

Taiwan’s Startup Positive Patent Examination Program

2025/10/02

 

  1. Fast-Track Your Patent Protection

Taiwan’s Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) offers a specialized program designed specifically for startups: the Startup Positive Patent Examination Program. This initiative combines accelerated examination with proactive examiner guidance to help innovative companies secure patent rights efficiently.

 

  1. Key Advantages
  • 4-Month Timeline: Receive an examination decision (grant or office action) within approximately 4 months of program acceptance.
  • Expert Guidance Included: TIPO examiners conduct face-to-face consultations to discuss patentability issues and suggest amendment strategies—at no additional cost.
  • Strategic Clarity: Gain early certainty about patent prospects, enabling faster business decisions for fundraising, partnerships, and market entry.

 

  1. Who Qualifies?
  • Taiwan Startups: Companies established within the past 8 years (verified automatically through government registries).
  • Foreign Startups: Companies incorporated within the past 8 years under their home country’s laws (proof of incorporation required).
  • Award-Winning Companies: Startups with recent national innovation awards or those in TIPO-guided programs may also qualify.

 

  1. How It Works
  • Timing: Apply after receiving TIPO’s substantive examination notice, but before the first office action.
  • Electronic Filing: All requests must be submitted through TIPO’s e-filing system via a registered patent agent.
  • Proactive Interview: Examiners provide preliminary findings and conduct a consultation meeting to discuss your application strategy.
  • Fast Decision: Examination results are issued within 4 months—either a patent grant or detailed guidance for amendments.

 

  1. Important Notes
  • Applies to invention patents only (not utility models or designs)
  • Monthly intake capacity limits apply
  • No extra fees required beyond standard patent costs
  • Professional representation by a patent agent is mandatory

 

  1. Why This Matters for Your Business

For startups, timing is everything. This program provides the speed and certainty needed to:

  • Strengthen investor confidence during fundraising rounds
  • Accelerate product commercialization timelines
  • Enhance competitive positioning in the market
  • Make informed IP strategy decisions early

The proactive examiner interview is particularly valuable—it transforms the examination process from reactive to collaborative, helping you understand patentability issues clearly and respond strategically.

 

  1. Program Validity Period

This program is currently in effect until December 31, 2025. TIPO has continuously implemented and extended this initiative annually since 2021, and is expected to continue providing this service for startup companies. We recommend confirming the latest program details before filing an application.

 

  1. Ready to Get Started?

Navigating the program’s requirements and maximizing its benefits requires professional expertise. Our team can help you determine eligibility, prepare your application, and develop an effective strategy for the examiner interview.

 

Contact us to discuss how this program can accelerate your startup’s patent protection in Taiwan.