TIPO Expands Fast-Track Patent Review to Boost Startup Fundraising

(Taipei, June 16, CNA reporter Tseng Yun-ting) To help startups secure patent protection more quickly, the Ministry of Economic Affairs' Intellectual Property Office (TIPO) announced today that the Startup-Active Patent Examination Pilot Program, initiated in 2021, will expand its eligibility starting in 2025 to include two new categories: companies that have received national innovation awards within the past two years, and firms supported by TIPO through government-funded science and technology programs. Last year, the average review period under this program was approximately 2.19 months—about six times faster than the standard 13.8 months for regular invention patents—enabling startups to seize market opportunities more swiftly.

TIPO held a press conference today titled 'Enhancing Startup Competitiveness and Accelerating Patent Filing—TIPO Has Your Back.' Director Liao Cheng-wei emphasized that patents serve as a critical tool for protecting technology during commercialization and fundraising, reducing infringement risks. Moreover, converting technology into patent assets enhances corporate valuation and becomes a key factor in attracting investment.

Currently, TIPO offers three pathways for accelerated patent examination: the Startup-Active Patent Examination Pilot Program, the Accelerated Examination Program for Inventions (AEP), and the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) and its support mechanism, TW-SUPA.

The Startup-Active Patent Examination Pilot Program, launched in 2021, will expand its scope in 2025 to include two new categories: companies awarded national innovation honors within the past two years, and companies mentored by TIPO through government science and technology programs.

TIPO highlighted that the program's key feature is its proactive interview mechanism, allowing examiners to directly communicate with applicants, clarify technical details, and suggest amendments—reducing back-and-forth and accelerating the process. In 2025, 75 applications were filed under this program, with an approval rate exceeding 93%, and an average review time of 2.19 months.

Under the Accelerated Examination Program (AEP), companies may qualify if they have already obtained patents overseas, received examination reports from the US, Japan, or Europe, are commercially implementing the invention, or are working on green technologies. Applicants typically receive examination results within about two months, helping startups capture international markets and ESG-related business opportunities.

Additionally, through PPH and TW-SUPA mechanisms, Taiwan has established cooperation with eight countries, including the United States, Japan, South Korea, and Canada, enabling startups to rapidly extend patent protection to major global markets after securing rights in Taiwan.

TIPO noted that robust patent portfolios have translated into tangible fundraising outcomes. Latest statistics show that startups leveraging these fast-track programs have achieved 39 funding cases, raising a total of USD 298 million (approximately TWD 9 billion), primarily in seed and Series A rounds—demonstrating that 'patent strength equals fundraising power.'

Liao stated that TIPO will continue expanding international cooperation, aiming to extend PPH partnerships to New Southbound and European markets, reinforcing Taiwan’s role as a global hub for R&D and intellectual property strategy. (Edited by Pan Yi-ching) 1150616