Indian Patent office starts functioning as International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority under the PCT

Since October 15, 2013 the Indian Patent office starts functioning as International Searching Authority and International Preliminary Examining Authority under the PCT

The fee for Search and Preliminary Examination is very reasonable. A Search with Indian Patent Office (IPO) could be done for as little as USD 40 (for Individual) and USD 160 for Companies. Similarly where IPO has chosen for Search, the Preliminary Examination could be done for as little as USD 40 (for Individual) and USD 160 for Companies, in other cases cost would  USD 60 (for Individual) and USD 200 for Companies.

The Fees and Charges are as follows: 

Kind of Fee or Charges		Amount (INR)
1	Search fee (Rule 16.1(a))	10000 (2500)"
2	Additional fee (Rule 40.2(a))	10000 (2500)"
3	Protest fee (Rule 40.2(e) and 68.3(e))	4000 (1000)"
4	Late furnishing fee (Rule 13ter.1(c) and 13ter.2)	4000 (1000)"
5	Preliminary examination fee (Rule 58.1(b)):
	- where the international search report was issued by the Authority	10000 (2500)"
	-in other cases	12000 (3000)"
6	Additional fee (Rule 68.3(a)):
	–where the international search report was issued by the Authority	10000 (2500)"
	–in other cases	12000 (3000)"
7	Cost of copies (Rules 44.3(b), 71.2(b) and 94.2), per page	4