Request for Urgent Search Report Preparation in National Patent Applications: Acceleration of the Patent Process

Applying for a patent is an important process aimed at protecting an innovative invention and granting legal rights to the inventor. However, this process can be time-consuming and create difficulties, especially for applicants seeking rapid results. The Urgent Search Report Request is a mechanism implemented in 2024 to address this issue. This service, offered by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office, enables applicants to more quickly prepare search reports for their patent applications.

What is an Urgent Investigation Report Request?

The Urgent Search Report Request is a service used when patent applicants request faster preparation of the search reports for their patent applications. The applicant must submit this request to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office to expedite the search report preparation process. This request allows for the search report to be prepared more quickly. With this request, applicants can aim to expedite the evaluation of their applications' patentability (such as novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability).

Procedure for Requesting an Urgent Investigation Report

The procedure for the Request for Urgent Research Report is as follows, in accordance with the rules and principles determined by the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office:

ARTICLE 5-

(1) To issue an urgent investigation report, the applicant must request the issuance of an urgent investigation report and pay the Urgent Investigation Report Issuance Fee in addition to the Investigation Report Request Fee specified in the Fee Communiqué. Failure to pay the fee will result in the request being deemed not to have been submitted.

(2) A request for an urgent investigation report may be made together with the request for an investigation report or later.

(3) Upon this request, a search report will be prepared within six months of the request date for patent applications that are free of formal deficiencies, or within six months of the date the deficiencies are remedied for applications that are formally deficiencies. After the search report is prepared, the procedures will continue in accordance with the provisions of Article 96 of the Law.
If the institution does not issue a search report within the 6-month period specified in the third paragraph of Article 5, the applicant may withdraw the request for an urgent search report and request a refund of the urgent search report fee.

Request for Urgent Research Report, during patent application to the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office

Request for a Research Report + Request for Urgent Research Report Preparation
In the form of a Request for Research and Investigation + Request for Urgent Research Report Preparation

Or after reviewing the form made after the application,

Request for a Research Report + Request for Urgent Research Report Preparation
It can be made in the form of a Research and Review Request + Urgent Research Report Preparation Request.
Service standards stipulate that research and examination reports should be prepared within 9 to 18 months, depending on the scope of the invention. However, the Turkish Patent and Trademark Office prepares the research report within a shorter timeframe after receiving this request.

The Impact of Urgent Research Request on Practice

A recent case report was issued in just one week after an urgent investigation request. This demonstrates how quickly an urgent investigation request can impact the application process and expedite the process.

In conclusion, the Urgent Research Report Issuance Request is an important service that offers applicants the opportunity to expedite their patent applications. This request offers a significant advantage, especially for innovative companies and researchers seeking rapid results. However, especially in highly competitive sectors and rapidly developing technological fields, the Urgent Research Report Issuance Request can be a strategy that can increase applicants' chances of success.

Erdem Kaya
Patent and Trademark Attorney