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Examination is where IP Australia tests your application against the requirements for grant. Our team at Brealant requests examination at the right time and manages the process so your application progresses as smoothly as possible.
Legal Definition of Patent Examination
Examination is IP Australia's substantive review of a patent application against novelty, inventive step, and patentable subject matter under the Patents Act 1990.
Deadline-Driven
Applicants generally have up to 12 months from the first report to resolve all objections, or the application lapses.
Multiple Reports Possible
Some applications require more than one round of examination reports before acceptance.
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Contact
Discuss the right timing for requesting examination with a Brealant patent attorney.
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Search
We review your application and any earlier search results in preparation.
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Quote
Receive a service quote for managing the examination request and any resulting reports.
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Pay
Proceed with secure payment for the selected services.
File
We file the request for examination with IP Australia.
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Wait
The examiner conducts a search and compares it against your claims.
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Response
You receive the first examination report, or notice of acceptance if no issues are raised.
In Australia, examination begins once requested, with IP Australia typically issuing a first report within several months. Applicants then have up to 12 months from that report to get the application in order for acceptance — understanding this window is key to managing the process.
Brealant manages the examination request and any resulting reports proactively, so deadlines are never missed and your application keeps moving toward grant as efficiently as possible.
Examination is a required step, but it has real limits
No Guaranteed Outcome
Examination doesn't guarantee grant — objections may be raised that require a response.
Deadline-Driven
Applicants generally have up to 12 months from the first report to resolve all objections, or the application lapses.
Multiple Reports Possible
Some applications require more than one round of examination reports before acceptance.
Doesn't Cover Post-Grant Validity
Acceptance and grant don't guarantee the patent can't later be challenged, such as through opposition.
IP Australia Discretion
IP Australia can direct examination on its own timeline if the applicant hasn't requested it.
Brealant helps you understand exactly where your application stands at each stage of examination.
A well-managed examination process protects
Your Path to Grant
Keeping the application on track toward acceptance and eventual grant.
Your Filing Date
Preserving the priority and filing date established when the application was first lodged.
Your Claim Scope
Managing objections in a way that avoids unnecessary narrowing of your claims.
Your Commercial Timing
Timing examination requests to align with your business needs, such as licensing or investment deadlines.
Brealant manages this process closely so nothing falls through the cracks.
Examination generally follows these stages
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Request
Examination is requested by the applicant, or directed by IP Australia if not requested within a set period.
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First Report
IP Australia typically issues a first report within several months of the request.
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Response Period
Applicants generally have up to 12 months from the first report to resolve objections.
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Acceptance
Once objections are resolved, IP Australia accepts the application for grant.
Requesting examination early can accelerate grant, which matters if you need enforceable rights sooner.
Examination involves both government and professional costs
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IP Australia charges an official fee to request examination.
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IP Australia charges an official fee to request examination.
Ask us for a quote before requesting examination, so costs are clear from the outset.
Brealant tracks every deadline through the examination process, from the initial request through to acceptance and grant, so your application keeps moving without administrative slip-ups.
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No, examination must be requested by the applicant, or IP Australia can direct that it be requested by a certain deadline.
It varies — some applications are accepted after the first report, while others require one or more further reports to resolve objections.
Applicants generally have up to 12 months from the first examination report to get the application in order for acceptance.
Yes, in certain circumstances IP Australia allows expedited examination — we can advise if your application qualifies.
It is advertised for a 3-month opposition period, after which, if unopposed, the patent proceeds to grant.
Either the applicant or their attorney can request examination — Brealant handles this as part of ongoing prosecution management.
Examiners assess novelty, inventive step, clarity, sufficiency of disclosure, and whether the claims are supported by the specification, among other formal and substantive requirements.
IP Australia charges an official examination fee, and Brealant's professional fee covers reviewing reports and preparing responses, quoted based on complexity.
IP Australia can direct that examination be requested by a set deadline, after which it becomes compulsory, so delay is limited once a direction issues.
The application lapses unless it has been put in order for acceptance or an extension of time has been obtained in limited circumstances.
Discover more insights and stay informed about the latest in intellectual property with Brealant's blog. From expert advice on trademark registration and patent protection to strategies for safeguarding your brand in a competitive market, our resources are here to empower your business.
Explore our blog to learn how effective IP management can strengthen your brand's position and protect your innovations
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