Cost control remains crucial for enterprises expanding their international patent portfolios. The China National Intellectual Property Administration (CNIPA) recently announced that starting January 1, 2026, it will collect PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) application fees for the international phase on behalf of WIPO and the European Patent Office (EPO) based on the RMB standards published by WIPO.
This adjustment will directly impact the cost budgeting for companies pursuing overseas patent protection through the PCT system. The revised fee structure includes:
Revised Fee Schedule (in RMB):
- International filing fee (collected for WIPO): Exact amount to be confirmed via WIPO's official announcement
- Handling fee (collected for WIPO): 1,790 yuan
- International search fee (collected for EPO): 15,390 yuan
The new rates will apply to PCT applications submitted to CNIPA with receipt dates on or after January 1, 2026. Companies planning international patent filings for 2026 and beyond must incorporate these revised costs into their strategic planning.
Impact Analysis and Strategic Recommendations
Increased costs: The fee adjustments, particularly the substantial increase in international search fees for EPO services, will raise the overall cost of international patent searches. Companies should reevaluate whether using the EPO as their international search authority remains cost-effective.
Budget recalibration: Enterprises must update their international patent filing budgets to accommodate the new fee structure, preventing potential delays caused by insufficient funding.
Strategic optimization: Facing these cost pressures, companies may consider refining their patent application strategies. Potential approaches include improving application quality to increase authorization rates and reduce unnecessary expenditures. Exploring alternative international search authorities with more favorable fee structures could also yield cost savings.
Exchange rate monitoring: CNIPA noted that additional fee adjustments may occur if significant currency fluctuations warrant changes. Businesses should monitor exchange rate movements closely to make timely budget and strategy adjustments.
Additional Fee Information
Other fees collected directly by CNIPA, including search fees, remain unchanged. Detailed information can be found in CNIPA's official publication of patent and integrated circuit layout design fee standards.
This revision to PCT international phase fees serves as an important indicator for companies developing global patent strategies. Timely awareness of these changes enables enterprises to adjust their approaches, maintain cost efficiency, and ensure smooth international patent application processes.