How to Expedite Your Patent Application in India Using Form 18A for faster grant of patent

How to Expedite Your Patent Application in India Using Form 18A for faster grant of patent

Want Your Patent Faster? Here’s How You Can Speed Up the Process!

Waiting for years to get a patent granted can be frustrating—especially when you need it now to protect your invention, secure funding, or gain a competitive edge. The good news? You can speed up your patent examination in India by filing Form 18A for Expedited Examination.

But here’s the catch—not everyone qualifies. So, how do you know if you can apply for expedited examination and get your patent granted faster? Let’s break it down in a simple way and see if you fit into one of the eligible categories.

Who Can File for Expedited Patent Examination in India?

The Indian Patent Office (IPO) has laid out specific categories of applicants who can request expedited examination. If you qualify under any of these, you can shave years off the waiting time and get a patent decision within months instead of years.

🚀 1. If You Are You a Startup recognized by DPIIT

If your business is registered as a Startup under Startup India (recognized by DPIIT), you are eligible for an expedited examination. This is one of the biggest advantages startups can get in the Indian patent system!

How to Qualify?

  • Your startup should be recognized by DPIIT (Department for Promotion of Industry and Internal Trade).
  • Attach your Startup India Recognition Certificate while filing Form 18A.

Why Use Expedited Examination as a Startup?

  • Investors love patents! A fast-tracked patent means you can show IP protection when raising funds.
  • Your technology is protected before competitors catch up.
  • Helps in international patent filings (PCT applications) by strengthening your position.

👩‍💼 2. If You Are You a Female Applicant or If you have a Female Co-applicant

Did you know that if a woman is listed as an applicant or co-applicant, you can apply for expedited examination? Yes, this is a huge advantage for women entrepreneurs, inventors, and researchers!

How to Qualify?

  • If at least one applicant is a woman, you can apply for expedited examination.
  • No additional documents needed apart from identity proof showing gender.

Why Women Inventors Should Apply for Expedited Examination?

  • Faster patent grant means you can license or commercialize your invention quicker.
  • If you’re an entrepreneur, it gives a stronger IP position for your business.

🏢 3. If you Are a Small Entity or MSME

If your company is registered as a Micro, Small, or Medium Enterprise (MSME), you qualify for fast-track patent processing.

How to Qualify?

  • You need an MSME/Udyam Registration Certificate.
  • Attach it while filing Form 18A.

Why MSMEs Should Opt for Expedited Examination?

  • Quick patent approval gives an advantage in licensing and negotiations.
  • Strengthens your position in government tenders and contracts that require patents.
  • Helps in securing IP-backed loans and financial incentives.

🏛 4. If you Are from an Educational Institute or Research Organization?

If your patent is filed by an educational institution or government-recognized research organization, you can speed up the process.

Who Qualifies?

  • IITs, NITs, AIIMS, IISERs, IIITs or any government-recognized institution.
  • Research institutions under CSIR, ICAR, ICMR, and DRDO.
  • Government-funded universities.

Why Should Universities and Research Institutes Use Expedited Examination?

  • Faster patent processing means research can be commercialized sooner.
  • Universities can license patents to industries quicker.
  • Helps in funding applications and industry collaborations.

🌎 5. If You Have Selected India as the International Searching Authority (ISA) or International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA)?

If you have filed a Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) application and selected India as ISA or IPEA, you qualify for expedited examination in India.

Why is This Important?

  • If India is your preferred jurisdiction, you can get a quick patent decision.
  • This helps in international patent strategy and commercialization.

🔄 6. If you Are a Government Undertaking or a Notified Entity?

If you’re part of a government organization or an entity specifically notified by the Indian government, you qualify for an expedited patent.

Examples include:

  • Public sector undertakings (PSUs) like BHEL, ONGC, etc.
  • Defence organizations under DRDO.
  • Government-funded R&D labs.

Why Should Government Entities Use Expedited Examination?

  • Speeding up patents aligns with national innovation and defense priorities.
  • Helps in faster technology transfer and commercialization.

How to Apply for Expedited Examination? (Step-by-Step Guide)

If you qualify under any of the categories above, here’s how you can get your patent examined faster:

Step 1: File Your Patent Application

Ensure your patent application is already filed (either provisional or complete). If your application is not yet published, you need to first file Form 9 (Request for Early Publication).

Step 2: Submit Form 18A for Expedited Examination

  • Fill out Form 18A with the required details.
  • Attach supporting documents (Startup/MSME Certificate, Women Applicant ID, etc.).
  • Pay the expedited examination fee.

Step 3: Your Application Moves to the Fast-Track Lane!

Once accepted, your patent will be assigned to an examiner immediately (instead of waiting in the normal queue).

Step 4: First Examination Report (FER) Issued

You’ll receive the First Examination Report (FER) within a few months. After you respond to any objections, your patent can be granted much faster than the regular route.

Final Thoughts: Should You Apply for Expedited Examination?

If you fall into any of the eligible categories, filing Form 18A is a no-brainer. It speeds up the patent process, giving you an early mover advantage, helping in business, licensing, and commercialization.

  • If you’re an individual, startup, or small business, getting an early patent grant can be a game changer.
  • If you’re an educational institute, research lab, or government entity, expedited examination helps bring your innovations to market sooner.
  • If you’ve filed a PCT application, choosing India as ISA/IPEA makes you eligible for fast-tracking.

So, what are you waiting for? If you qualify, don’t let your patent sit in the queue—file Form 18A and get ahead of the competition!

For a direct link to Form 18A, visit: Form 18A – Request for Expedited Examination

https://ipindia.gov.in/writereaddata/Portal/IPOFormUpload/1_105_1/Form-18A.pdf

for more details about the costs required at each stage you may read article on Cost of patent registration in India

Video : Steps from idea or invention to granted patent in India along with time and costs

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Prasad Karhad
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