ePCT 4.18 introduces ISA/IN fee features

On 13 October 2026, the Indian Patent Office, through a public announcement, informed stakeholders that ePCT Version 4.18 introduces two important features for applicants designating India as the International Searching Authority (ISA/IN) while filing Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) international applications through ePCT.

Key Takeaways:

The earlier “Fee Reduction Entitlement” option available in the filing options section of ePCT has been replaced with a dedicated “Search Fee Reduction Entitlement” dropdown under the International Search section whenever ISA/IN is selected.
The feature applies across all Receiving Offices where ISA/IN is competent, including:
- RO/IB;
- RO/IN;
- RO/IR; and
- RO/JP.
The dropdown menu provides two options:
- Not specified; and
- Startup, small entity or educational institution.
Where the applicant is a natural person and not a legal entity, no separate indication is required for fee reduction purposes and the applicable fee reduction is automatically reflected in the fee calculation.
Applicants claiming eligibility as a startup, small entity or educational institution must select the relevant option in the dropdown menu.
Supporting documentary evidence must be uploaded to substantiate the claim for fee reduction.
ePCT Version 4.18 also introduces a new feature allowing applicants filing through RO/IN to view a detailed fee calculation.
While preparing a new international application, applicants can view the applicable fees through the “Show Fees” option.
The system will display:
- International Filing Fee;
- Search Fee; and
- Applicable fee reductions, where eligible.
After submission of the PCT international application, fee details will also be available through a document titled “Fee Calculation Sheet”.