WIPO - PCT Applicant's Guide AT - Austria
Austrian Patent Office

    Applicable as from April 1, 2026
    (published on March 20, 2026)

    Summary of latest changes in this version
    GENERAL INFO: Contact details, Payment methods
    RO: Electronic filing, Agent
    ISA: ISA fees
    Summary of requirements for entry into the national phase: Special requirements, Agent
    The procedure in the national Phase: Various
    Annexes: Payment methods
    List of changes

    All available versions

    Useful information

    The PCT Applicant’s Guide is updated almost every week with information received by the International Bureau.
    In case of question, please contact the Office or the International Bureau: pct.guide@wipo.int.
    List of abbreviations used in this document:
    Office: Austrian Patent Office
    PatG: Patents Act [Patentgesetz]
    PatV-EG: Act on the Introduction of the Patent Treaties [Patentverträge-Einführungsgesetz]
    GMG: Utility Models Act [Gebrauchsmustergesetz]
    PAG: Patent Office Fees Act [Patentamtsgebührengesetz]
    List of currencies used in this document:
    CHF (Swiss franc), EUR (Euro), KRW (Korean won), SGD (Singapore dollar), USD (US dollar), ZAR (South African rand)
    Countries and Offices information:
    The list of acronyms used for Offices is no longer shown as it has been integrated in the mouseover functionality for each ST.3 code shown in this document.
    Refer to List of WIPO Standards, Recommendations and Guidelines formerly Annex K, List of country names and two-letter codes. It includes a list of short names and two-letter codes accepted for use in indicating States, other entities and intergovernmental organizations and their Offices in documents relating to international applications under the PCT. The list is as set out in WIPO Standard ST.3.
    Also refer to PCT Contracting States formerly Annex A.
    Office profile
    For more technical information about the Office, refer to ePCT Office profile.
    PCT Reservations, Declarations, Notifications and Incompatibilities
    The Office does not have any reservations, declarations, notifications or incompatibilities.
    Refer to the full list.
    Office Closed dates
    The Office is closed weekly on Saturday and Sunday
    Additional closed dates can be consulted on the Office Closed dates page

    International Phase

    Annex B - Information on Contracting States or Intergovernmental Organization

    Contracting State:
    Austria
    Two-letter code:
    AT
    Name of Office:
    Austrian Patent Office
    Location:
    Dresdner Straße 87
    A-1200 Wien
    Austria
    Mailing address:
    Same as above
    Telephone:
    (43-1) 53424-0
    E-mail:
    for all PCT matters relating to specific international applications
    pct@patentamt.at
    Website:
    Facsimile:
    None
    Does the Office accept the filing of documents by facsimile or the like means (PCT Rule 92.4)?
    No
    Would the Office accept evidence of mailing a document, in case of loss or delay, where a delivery service other than the postal authorities is used (PCT Rule 82.1)?
    No
    Is the Office prepared to allow applicants to make applications available to the WIPO Digital Access Service for Priority Documents (DAS) (PCT Rule 17.1(b-bis)?
    More information about WIPO DAS is available at: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/das.
    Yes, the Office is prepared to allow applicants to make international and national applications available to the WIPO DAS
    Competent receiving Office(s) for international applications filed by nationals or residents of this State:
    AT,
    EP,
    IB
    Does national legislation restrict the filing of international applications with foreign Offices?
    Refer to the Office
    Competent designated (or elected) Office(s) for this State:
    National protection: AT
    European patent: EP
    Types of protection available via the PCT:
    National:
    Patents, Patents of addition, Utility models (a utility model may be sought instead of or in addition to a national patent)
    European:
    Patents
    Payment methods accepted by the Office:
    The payment of fees must be effected in EUR by transfer into the bank account of the Austrian Patent Office:
    Beneficiary’s name
    Österreichisches Patentamt
    Dresdner Straße 87
    A-1200 Wien
    Bank name
    BAWAG P.S.K.
    Bank address
    Georg-Coch-Platz 2
    A-1018 Wien
    BIC/Swift-Code
    BUNDATWW
    IBAN
    AT75 0100 0000 0516 0000
    Bank Number
    01000
    Account Number
    5.160.000
    Fees for appeal must be paid to the account of the Higher Regional Court of Vienna (Oberlandesgericht Wien):
    IBAN
    AT26 0100 0000 0546 0030
    BIC/SWIFT
    BUNDATWW
    All payments must indicate the application number (national, if already known; International, if the national application number is not yet known), the name of the applicant and the type of fee being paid. Fees paid to the bank account of the Office are regarded as being received on the date on which the money is credited to the said account
    Availability under the national law for an international-type search (PCT Article 15):
    None
    Provisional protection after international publication:
    Where the designation is made for the purposes of a national patent:
    The applicant may, from the date of publication of the international application, claim payment of an indemnity from any person who, without being entitled to do so, uses the subject of the application. If the application is not published in German, this right commences from the date of publication of a translation of the international application into German submitted to the Austrian Patent Office.
    Where the designation is made for the purposes of a European patent:
    (1) International application published in one of the EPO official languages:
    compensation reasonable in the circumstances, on condition that any national requirements relating to the translation of the claims in the application have been met.
    (2) International application published in a language which is not an EPO official language:
    the protection referred to in (1) does not become effective until the EPO publishes the international application supplied to it in one of its official languages.
    Information of interest if this Contracting State is designated (or elected)
    Time when the name and address of the inventor must be given:
    Indications not required
    Are there special provisions concerning the deposit of microorganisms and other biological material?
    Yes, refer to Annex L.
    For a European patent
    Refer to Annex B(EP)

    Annex C - Receiving Office

    Competent receiving Office for nationals and residents of:
    Austria
    Language in which international applications may be filed:
    English,
    French,
    German
    Language accepted for language-dependent free text in the sequence listing:
    English,
    French,
    or German,
    or English and another filing language
    Language in which the request may be filed:
    English,
    French,
    German
    Number of copies required by the receiving Office if the international application is filed on paper:
    1
    Does the receiving Office accept the filing of international applications in electronic form?
    Where the international application is filed in electronic form in accordance with and to the extent provided for in Part 7 and Annex F of the Administrative Instructions, the total amount of the international filing fee is reduced (refer to “Fees payable to the RO”).
    Where the international application contains a sequence listing as a separate part of the description, this should be furnished in accordance with Annex C of the Administrative Instructions, that is, in compliance with WIPO Standard ST.26 XML format; no fees are due for sequence listings filed in this format.
    For the relevant notifications by the Office, refer to the Official Notices (PCT Gazette) dated 20 February 2014, pages 26 et seq., 11 July 2019, page 102, 21 July 2022, page 184 et seq., 30 October 2025, page 211 and 11 December 2025, page 253.
    Yes, the Office accepts electronic filing via ePCT-Filing and APO’s web-based Online Filing
    Does the receiving Office accept the submission of pre-conversion documents and, if yes, in which format (Section 706 of the PCT Administrative Instructions)?
    Yes, any format
    Does the receiving Office accept incorporation by reference (PCT Rule 20.6)?
    Yes
    Does the receiving Office accept the submission of color drawings on an informal basis and transmit them to the International Bureau?
    For international applications filed from 1 April 2026, APO accepts color and greyscale drawings. As these are later converted into black and white by the IB, details of the original drawings may be lost.
    Does the receiving Office accept requests for restoration of the right of priority (PCT Rule 26bis.3)?
    Yes, the Office applies both the “unintentional” and the “due care” criteria to such requests
    Competent International Searching Authority:
    EP
    Competent International Preliminary Examining Authority:
    EP
    Fees payable to the RO:
    Transmittal fee:
    52 EUR
    International filing fee:
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    1,428 EUR
    Fee per sheet in excess of 30:
    This fee is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    16 EUR
    Reductions (under Schedule of Fees, item 4):
    Electronic filing (the request in character coded format):
    215 EUR
    Electronic filing (the request, description, claims and abstract in character coded format):
    322 EUR
    Search fee:
    Refer to
    Annex D(EP)
    Fee for priority document (PCT Rule 17.1(b)):
    111 EUR
    Fee for requesting restoration of the right of priority (PCT Rule 26bis.3(d)):
    229 EUR
    Is an agent required by the receiving Office?
    Applicants having a residence or a principal place of business in Austria, in another member State of the European Union, in another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or in Switzerland are not obliged to be represented by an agent. However, applicants whose residence or principal place of business is outside of Austria must – at least – mention a natural person or legal entity having an address in Austria for the reception of documents.
    Applicants wishing to be represented may be represented either by a natural person or legal entity having a residence or its principal place of business in Austria, or by a natural person or legal entity authorized to professional representation in Austria.
    Applicants having neither a residence nor a principal place of business in Austria, in another member State of the European Union, in another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or in Switzerland, are obliged to be represented by a patent attorney, attorney-at-law or notary entitled to professional representation in Austria.
    Who can act as agent?
    Any patent attorney, attorney-at-law or notary entitled to professional representation in Austria
    The list of patent attorneys may be obtained from:
    Österreichische Patentanwaltskammer
    Linke Wienzeile 4/1/9
    A-1060 Wien
    Austria
    http://www.patentanwalt.at
    The list of attorneys at law may be obtained from:
    Österreichischer Rechtsanwaltskammertag
    Rotenturmstr. 13
    A-1010 Wien
    Austria
    http://www.oerak.or.at
    The list of notaries may be obtained from:
    Österreichische Notariatskammer
    Landesgerichtsstr. 20
    A-1010 Wien
    Austria
    http://www.notar.at
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Office waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    None
    Has the Office waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    None

    Annex D - International Searching Authority

    International Searching Authority competent for the following Receiving Offices:
    AP,
    BH,
    BR,
    CO,
    CU,
    CV,
    DJ,
    DZ,
    EG,
    GE,
    GH,
    IN,
    JM,
    JO,
    KE,
    KP,
    KR,
    LR,
    LS,
    LY,
    MA,
    MU,
    MX,
    NG,
    OA,
    OM,
    PE,
    SG,
    SY,
    TT,
    UG,
    VN,
    ZA,
    ZM,
    ZW
    Fees payable to the ISA:
    Search fee (PCT Rule 16):
    This fee is payable to the receiving Office in the currency or one of the currencies accepted by it.
    This fee is reduced by 75% where the applicant, or, if there are two or more applicants, each applicant is a natural person and is a national of and resides in a State for which the Austrian Patent Office is an International Searching Authority.
    1,734 CHF
    1,885 EUR
    3,250,000 KRW
    2,842 SGD
    2,237 USD
    35,800 ZAR
    Additional search fee (PCT Rule 40.2):
    This fee is reduced by 75% where the applicant, or, if there are two or more applicants, each applicant is a natural person and is a national of and resides in a State for which the Austrian Patent Office is an International Searching Authority.
    This fee is payable to the International Searching Authority and only in particular circumstances.
    1,885 EUR
    Fee for copies of documents cited in the international search report (PCT Rule 44.3):
    per page 0.95 EUR
    Fee for copies of documents contained in the file of the international application (PCT Rule 94.1ter):
    per page 0.95 EUR
    Protest fee (PCT Rule 40.2(e)):
    229 EUR
    Late furnishing fee (PCT Rule 13ter.1(c)):
    None
    Conditions for refund and amount of refund of the search fee:
    Money paid by mistake, without cause, or in excess, will be refunded
    Where the international application is withdrawn or is considered withdrawn, under PCT Article 14(1), (3) or (4), before the start of the international search:
    refund of 100%
    Where the search fee has not been reduced and where the Authority benefits from an earlier search, the search fee shall be refunded to the following extent, depending on the extent to which the Authority benefits from the earlier search:
    — where the earlier search was carried out by the Authority:
    refund of 75%
    — where the earlier search was carried out by another International Searching Authority:
    refund of 50%
    — where the earlier search was carried out by another Patent Office:
    refund of 25%
    Languages accepted for international search:
    English,
    French,
    German
    Does the Authority accept informal comments on earlier search results where an international application claims priority from an earlier application already searched by this Authority?
    No
    Types of physical media accepted for the furnishing of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listings:
    CD-ROM,
    DVD
    Subject matter that will not be searched:
    The subject matter specified in items (i) to (vi) of PCT Rule 39.1 with the exception of any subject matter searched under the patent grant procedure in accordance with the provisions of Austrian patent law
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    None
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    None

    Annex SISA - International Searching Authority (Supplementary Search)

    Fees payable to the International Bureau:
    For further details on the payment of fees to the International Bureau, refer to the WIPO website at https://www.wipo.int/en/web/pct-system/fees/index.
    Supplementary search fee (PCT Rule 45bis.3):
    This fee is fixed by the Authority in EUR and will be revised from time to time to reflect currency fluctuations between EUR and CHF.
    — for a search of only German-language documentation
    792 CHF
    — for a search of only the PCT minimum documentation
    1,584 CHF
    — for a search of only European and North American documentation
    1,109 CHF
    Supplementary search handling fee (PCT Rule 45bis.2):
    200 CHF
    Late payment fee (PCT Rule 45bis.4(c)):
    100 CHF
    Fees payable to the Authority:
    Fee for copies of documents cited in the supplementary international search report (PCT Rule 45bis.7(c)):
    per page 0.95 EUR
    Fee for copies of documents contained in the file of the international application (PCT Rule 94.1ter):
    per page 0.95 EUR
    Late furnishing fee (PCT Rules 13ter.1(c) and 45bis.5(c)):
    None
    Conditions for refund and amount of refund of the supplementary search fee:
    Money paid by mistake, without cause, or in excess, will be refunded
    Where the supplementary search request is considered not to have been submitted before the start of the supplementary international search (refer to PCT Rule 45bis.3(e)):
    refund of 100%
    Languages accepted for supplementary international search:
    English,
    French,
    German
    Subject matter that will not be searched:
    The subject matter specified in items (i) to (vi) of PCT Rule 39.1 with the exception of any subject matter searched under the patent grant procedure in accordance with the provisions of Austrian patent law
    Scope of documentation included in the supplementary international search:
    Three scopes of documentation are offered, at the choice of the applicant (refer to “Fees payable to the International Bureau”)
    Limitations on supplementary international search:
    The Authority shall notify the International Bureau if demand for supplementary international search exceeds available resources
    Types of physical media accepted for the furnishing of nucleotide and/or amino acid sequence listings:
    CD-ROM,
    DVD
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    None
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    None

    Annex E - International Preliminary Examining Authority

    International Preliminary Examining Authority competent for the following Receiving Offices:
    AP,
    BH,
    BR,
    CO,
    CU,
    CV,
    DJ,
    DZ,
    EG,
    GE,
    GH,
    IN,
    JM,
    JO,
    KE,
    KP,
    KR,
    LR,
    LS,
    LY,
    MA,
    MU,
    MX,
    NG,
    OA,
    OM,
    PE,
    SG,
    SY,
    TT,
    UG,
    VN,
    ZA,
    ZM,
    ZW
    Are there any restrictions with regard to the competence of the Authority acting as an International Preliminary Examining Authority?
    No
    Fees payable to the IPEA:
    Preliminary examination fee (PCT Rule 58):
    This fee is payable to the International Preliminary Examining Authority.
    This fee is reduced by 75% where the applicant or, if there are two or more applicants, each applicant is a natural person and is a national of and resides in a State for which the Austrian Patent Office is an International Searching Authority.
    1,749 EUR
    Additional preliminary examination fee (PCT Rule 68.3):
    This fee is reduced by 75% where the applicant or, if there are two or more applicants, each applicant is a natural person and is a national of and resides in a State for which the Austrian Patent Office is an International Searching Authority.
    This fee is payable to the International Preliminary Examining Authority and only in particular circumstances.
    1,749 EUR
    Handling fee (PCT Rule 57.1):
    This fee is payable to the International Preliminary Examining Authority. It is reduced by 90% if certain conditions apply (refer to Annex C(IB)).
    215 EUR
    Fee for copies of documents cited in the international preliminary examination report (PCT Rule 71.2):
    per page 0.95 EUR
    Fee for copies of documents contained in the file of the international application (PCT Rule 94.2):
    per page 0.95 EUR
    Protest fee (PCT Rule 68.3(e)):
    229 EUR
    Late furnishing fee (PCT Rule 13ter.2):
    None
    Conditions for refund and amount of refund of the preliminary examination fee:
    Money paid by mistake, without cause, or in excess, will be refunded
    In the cases provided for under PCT Rule 58.3:
    refund of 100%
    If the international application or the demand is withdrawn before the start of the international preliminary examination:
    refund of 100%
    Languages accepted for international preliminary examination:
    English,
    French,
    German
    Subject matter that will not be examined:
    The subject matter specified in items (i) to (vi) of PCT Rule 67.1 with the exception of any subject matter examined under the patent grant procedure in accordance with the provisions of the Austrian patent law
    Waiver of power of attorney:
    Waivers of powers of attorney do not apply (PCT Rule 90.4(e) and 90.5(d)) where the agent or common representative submits any notice of withdrawal during the international phase (PCT Rule 90bis.1 to 90bis.4, also refer to International Phase, paragraph IP 11.048).
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a separate power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a separate power of attorney is required:
    None
    Has the Authority waived the requirement that a copy of a general power of attorney be submitted?
    Yes
    Particular instances in which a copy of a general power of attorney is required:
    None

    Annex L - Deposits of Microorganisms and Other Biological Material

    Requirements of designated and elected Offices
    Only Offices whose applicable national law contains provisions concerning the deposits of microorganisms and other biological material are listed in Annex L. Unless otherwise indicated, deposits may be made for the purposes of patent procedure before these Offices with any depositary institution having acquired the status of international depositary authority under the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure.
    For a list of these institutions refer to:
    https://www.wipo.int/documents/d/treaties/docs-en-registration-budapest-idalist.pdf (and the detailed requirements for each institution at: https://www.wipo.int/en/web/budapest-system/guide/section_d/subsection_c
    Notifications related thereto may be consulted under:
    https://www.wipo.int/en/web/treaties/registration/budapest/index
    Further information concerning the requirements of international depository authorities under the Budapest Treaty is available at:
    https://www.wipo.int/en/web/budapest-system/guide/index
    Time (if any) earlier than 16 months from priority date by which applicant must furnish:
    — the indications prescribed in Rule 13bis.3(a)(i) to (iii):
    Before completion of technical preparations for international publication
    — any additional indications:
    At the time of filing (as part of the application)
    Additional indications (if any) which must be given besides those prescribed in Rule 13bis.3(a)(i) to (iii) pursuant to notifications from the Office:
    To the extent available to the applicant, all significant information on the characteristics of the microorganism

    National Phase

    Summary of requirements for entry into the national phase

    Time limits applicable for entry into the national phase:
    Under PCT Article 22(1): 30 months from the priority date
    Under PCT Article 39(1)(a): 30 months from the priority date
    Does the Office permit reinstatement of rights (PCT Rule 49.6)?
    Yes, reinstatement of rights may be requested where the applicant, due to an unforeseeable or unavoidable event or in spite of due care, has failed to comply with a time limit before the Office and non-observance of the time limit is detrimental to his rights.
    Fee for reinstatement
    269 EUR
    Translation of international application required into (one of) the following language(s):
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    German
    Required contents of the translation for entry into the national phase:
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    Under PCT Article 22: Description, claims (if amended, both as originally filed and as amended, together with any statement under PCT Article 19), any text matter of drawings, abstract
    Under PCT Article 39(1): Description, claims, any text matter of drawings, abstract (if any of those parts has been amended, both as originally filed and as amended by the annexes to the international preliminary examination report)
    Is a copy of the international application required in particular circumstances?
    No
    Does the Office accept color drawings under its national law?
    No
    National fees:
    Must be furnished or paid within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1).
    Patents
    Fee for entry into the national phase
    52 EUR
    Document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    74 EUR
    Search and examination fee, including 10 claims
    292 EUR
    Claims fee, from the 11th claim, for each group of up to 10 claims
    104 EUR
    Utility models
    Fee for entry into the national phase
    52 EUR
    Document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    74 EUR
    Search fee, including 10 claims
    156 EUR
    Claims fee, from the 11th claim, for each group of up to 10 claims
    104 EUR
    Exemptions, reductions or refunds of fees:
    No fee for entry into the national phase is payable if the international application was filed with the Austrian Patent Office as receiving Office
    Special requirements of the Office (PCT Rule 51bis):
    If not already complied with within the time limit applicable under PCT Article 22 or 39(1), the Office will invite the applicant to comply with the requirement within a time limit fixed in the invitation.
    Applicants having a residence or a principal place of business in Austria, in another member State of the European Union, in another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or in Switzerland are not obliged to be represented by an agent. However, applicants whose residence or principal place of business is outside of Austria must – at least – mention a natural person or legal entity having an address in Austria for the reception of documents.
    Applicants wishing to be represented may be represented either by a natural person or legal entity having a residence or its principal place of business in Austria, or by a natural person or legal entity authorized to professional representation in Austria.
    Applicants having neither a residence nor a principal place of business in Austria, in another member State of the European Union, in another State party to the Agreement on the European Economic Area, or in Switzerland, are obliged to be represented by a patent attorney, attorney-at-law or notary entitled to professional representation in Austria.
    Who can act as agent?
    Any patent attorney, attorney-at-law or notary, entitled to professional representation in Austria.
    The list of patent attorneys may be obtained from:
    Österreichische Patentanwaltskammer
    Linke Wienzeile 4/1/9
    A-1060 Wien
    Austria
    http://www.patentanwalt.at
    The list of attorneys at law may be obtained from:
    Österreichischer Rechtsanwaltskammertag
    Rotenturmstr. 13
    A-1010 Wien
    Austria
    http://www.oerak.or.at
    The list of notaries may be obtained from:
    Österreichische Notariatskammer
    Landesgerichtsstr. 20
    A 1010 Wien
    Austria
    http://www.notar.at
    Does the Office accept the effect of restoration of the right of priority by the receiving Office (PCT Rule 49ter.1)?
    Yes
    Does the Office accept requests for restoration of the right of priority (PCT Rule 49ter.2)?
    Yes, the Office applies both the “unintentional” and the “due care” criteria to such requests

    The procedure in the national Phase

    AT.01 TRANSLATION (CORRECTION)
    Errors in the translation of the international application can be corrected with reference to the text of the international application as filed (refer to National Phase, paragraphs NP 6.002 and NP 6.003). If the translation furnished to the Office contains only the description, the Office will invite the applicant to furnish the missing part and will excuse the late furnishing provided that the scope of the disclosure contained in the translation furnished to the Office is not broadened thereby.
    AT.02 FEES (MANNER OF PAYMENT)
    The manner of payment of the fees indicated in the Summary and in this Chapter is outlined in Annex AT.I.
    AT.03 POWER OF ATTORNEY
    PatG Sec. 21,
    PatG Sec. 77

    An agent must be appointed by filing a power of attorney. An attorney-at-law, a patent attorney or a notary may replace a power of attorney by a reference to his authorization. A model of a power of attorney is given in Annex AT.II.
    AT.04 MENTION OF INVENTOR
    PatG Sec. 20
    The name of the inventor is mentioned by the Office in the Patent Register and in the publication of the patent upon express request only. That request may be made by the applicant or the inventor at any time, even after the publication of the patent. Where several persons are entitled to make such request, the requestor must produce proof that the other persons entitled agree, unless the request is made jointly by all those entitled.
    AT.05 ANNUAL FEES
    PAG Sec. 6
    Annual fees for patents are only payable after publication in the Patent Gazette [Österreichisches Patentblatt] of the granting of the patent. In general, annual fees are only payable for the sixth year and the following years (calculated on the basis of the last day of the month in which the application was filed). However, no payment of annual fees is due before the granting of the patent.
    The annual fees must be paid within three months preceding the due date (the last day of the month which corresponds to the month in which the application was filed), but not later than six months after the due date. Payments made after the due date will be subject to a late payment surcharge of 20% of the applicable fee.
    The amounts of the annual fees for national patents and utility models are indicated in Annex AT.I.
    AT.06 AMENDMENT OF THE APPLICATION; TIME LIMITS
    PCT Article 28,
    PCT Article 41,
    PatG Sec. 91(3)

    The applicant may make amendments to any part of the application up to the decision to grant a patent, provided that the scope of the subject matter of the application is not broadened thereby. It is to be noted that, during the opposition procedure following the grant of the patent, amendments to the description, claims or drawings may still be made, but only within the scope of the patent as granted.
    AT.07 REVIEW UNDER ARTICLE 25 OF THE PCT
    PCT Article 25,
    PCT Rule 51,
    PatG Sec. 70,
    PatV-EG Sec. 16(3)

    The applicable procedure is outlined in paragraphs NP 6.018 to NP 6.021 of the National Phase. If, upon review under PCT Article 25, the Office denies an error or omission on the part of the receiving Office or the International Bureau, an appeal against this decision may be lodged within two months from the date of receipt of the decision. Within the same two-month time limit, a fee for appeal must be paid (for the amount, refer to Annex AT.I). The Higher Regional Court of Vienna will then decide on the appeal.
    AT.08 EXCUSE OF DELAYS IN MEETING TIME LIMITS
    PCT Article 24(2),
    PCT Article 48(2),
    PatG Sec. 129,
    PatG Sec. 130,
    PatG Sec. 131,
    PatG Sec. 132,
    PatG Sec. 133,
    PatG Sec. 134,
    PatG Sec. 135,
    PatG Sec. 136

    Reference is made to paragraphs NP 6.022 to NP 6.027 of the National Phase. Reinstatement may be requested where the applicant, due to an unforeseeable or unavoidable event or in spite of due care required by the circumstances, has failed to comply with a time limit before the Office and non-observance of the time limit is detrimental to his rights. A request for reinstatement must be presented in writing within two months after the removal of the cause of the failure to perform the act but not later than one year from the expiration of the time limit which has not been observed. Within these two months, the omitted act must be completed, the procedural fee for reinstatement indicated in Annex AT.I must be paid, and the request must state the facts which justify the reinstatement and procedure evidence of those facts, unless they are well known to the Office.
    AT.09 UTILITY MODEL
    PCT Article 4(3),
    PCT Article 43,
    PCT Article 44,
    PCT Rule 4.12,
    PCT Rule 49bis.1,
    PCT Rule 49bis.1(a),
    PCT Rule 49bis.1(b),
    PCT Rule 76.5,
    GMG Sec. 3(4),
    GMG Sec. 13,
    GMG Sec. 14,
    GMG Sec. 15,
    GMG Sec. 16,
    GMG Sec. 17

    If the applicant wishes to obtain utility model registration in Austria on the basis of an international application
    (i) instead of a patent, or
    (ii) in addition to a patent,
    the applicant, when entering the national phase, shall so indicate to the Office. Utility model applications must fulfill basically the same requirements as patent applications. However, unlike patent applications, utility model applications enjoy a grace period in which disclosure of the invention by the applicant or his legal predecessor is not prejudicial to novelty provided that it did not take place more than six months prior to the date of filing. Even after entry into the national phase, a patent application may be converted into a utility model application, and vice versa (refer to AT.13 below).
    AT.10
    GMG Sec. 6,
    GMG Sec. 18(1),
    GMG Sec. 19,
    GMG Sec. 27

    The term of protection of the utility model commences with its publication and registration; the maximum term of protection for a utility model is 10 years from the end of the month in which the application is filed. In normal proceedings and where possible, if there are no objections to the publication and registration of the utility model, the Office compiles a search report within six months of the date of filing—the application procedure for utility models does not involve substantive examination. The applicant may amend the claims on receipt of the search report. Once proof of payment of the required fees has been received, the utility model is registered and published on the same date (in the Official Gazette). Additionally, applicants may request accelerated proceedings (immediate publication and registration of their utility model) when filing their application. Under that procedure, where no objections arise from the formal examination and the proof of payment is received, the utility model is published and registered within one to three months from filing.
    AT.11
    PatV-EG Sec. 16
    If the international application is for both a utility model and a patent, the applicant must, within the time limit applicable for the entry into the national phase, pay two fees for entry into the national phase (for the patent application and the utility model application) and, where the international application was not filed in the German language, furnish a translation into German, and, if required, file a copy of the power of attorney.
    AT.12
    PAG Sec. 16
    Annual fees for utility models are payable from the fourth year onwards, as from the last day of the month of the filing date. In case the utility model is not published and registered before three years from the last day of the month of the filing date, annual fees are payable only for the years following the publication and registration of the utility model. The amounts of the annual fees are indicated in Annex AT.I.
    AT.13 CONVERSION
    PatG Sec. 92b,
    GMG Sec. 21

    An international application may be converted into a utility model application, and vice versa, after the application has entered into the national phase. Conversion from a patent to a utility model may be effected up to the date of the decision to grant the patent or reject the application. A request for conversion from a utility model to a patent needs to be filed within the time limit for payment of the publication fee. Once a conversion has been made, conversion back to the original status is not permitted.
    AT.14 BRANCHING OFF
    GMG Sec. 15a(1)
    A utility model application concerning the subject matter of an earlier application for a patent that is valid in Austria (i.e. a national or European patent or an international application) may claim the filing date of that earlier patent application. The utility model application needs to be filed before the expiration of two months after the patent application is considered withdrawn or finally rejected (or after the opposition procedure, if any, is concluded).
    AT.15 RESTORATION OF THE RIGHT OF PRIORITY
    PCT Rule 49ter.2,
    PCT Rule 49ter.2(e)

    A declaration or other evidence in support of a request for restoration of the right of priority should be filed within the time limit set out in PCT Rule 49ter.2(b)(i).
    If such a request is not accompanied by a declaration or other supporting evidence it will not be refused prima facie by the Office but the applicant will be requested to furnish the required declaration within a time limit which shall be reasonable under the circumstances.

    Annexes

    Annex AT.I - Fees
    Patent
    Fee for entry into the national phase
    Where the international application has been filed with the Austrian Patent Office as receiving Office, the fee for entering the national phase is considered to have been paid with the payment of the transmittal fee.
    52 EUR
    Document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    74 EUR
    Search and examination fee, including 10 claims
    292 EUR
    Claims fee, from the 11th claim, for each group of up to 10 claims
    104 EUR
    Publication fee (for grant)
    In excess of 15 pages, an additional fee of 135 EUR is payable for each 15 pages (or part thereof) of the description, including the claims and drawings attached to the description.
    208 EUR
    Annual fees:
    — for the 6th year
    104 EUR
    — for the 7th year
    208 EUR
    — for the 8 th year
    313 EUR
    — for the 9th year
    417 EUR
    — for the 10th year
    522 EUR
    — for the 11th year
    626 EUR
    — for the 12th year
    731 EUR
    — for the 13th year
    835 EUR
    — for the 14 th year
    940 EUR
    — for the 15th year
    1,044 EUR
    — for the 16th year
    1,148 EUR
    — for the 17th year
    1,253 EUR
    — for the 18th year
    1,357 EUR
    — for the 19th year
    1,566 EUR
    — for the 20th year
    1,775 EUR
    Fee for restoration of the right of priority, including document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    269 EUR
    Procedural fee for reinstatement, including document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    269 EUR
    Fee for appeal (Higher Regional Court of Vienna)
    355 EUR
    Utility model
    Fee for entry into the national phase
    Where the international application has been filed with the Austrian Patent Office as receiving Office, the fee for entering the national phase is considered to have been paid with the payment of the transmittal fee.
    52 EUR
    Document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    74 EUR
    Search fee, including 10 claims
    156 EUR
    Claims fee, from the 11th claim, for each group of up to 10 claims
    104 EUR
    Publication fee (for grant)
    135 EUR
    Supplement for accelerated publication and registration
    52 EUR
    Annual fees:
    Instead of paying annual fees, a single fee of 376 EUR may be paid for the 4th to 6th years and 1,410 EUR for the 7th to the 10th years, which results in savings for the applicant
    — for the 4th year
    52 EUR
    — for the 5th year
    104 EUR
    — for the 6th year
    261 EUR
    — for the 7th year
    313 EUR
    — for the 8 th year
    365 EUR
    — for the 9th year
    417 EUR
    — for the 10th year
    470 EUR
    Fee for restoration of the right of priority, including document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    269 EUR
    Procedural fee for reinstatement, including document fee (Schriftengebühr)
    269 EUR
    Fee for appeal (Higher Regional Court of Vienna) .
    355 EUR
    How can payment of fees be effected?
    The payment of fees must be effected in euro by transfer into the bank account of the Austrian Patent Office:
    Beneficiary’s name
    Österreichisches Patentamt
    Dresdner Straße 87
    A-1200 Wien
    Bank name
    BAWAG P.S.K.
    Bank address
    Georg-Coch-Platz 2
    A-1018 Wien
    BIC/Swift-Code
    BUNDATWW
    IBAN
    AT75 0100 0000 0516 0000
    Bank Number
    01000
    Account Number
    5.160.000
    Fees for appeal must be paid to the account of the Higher Regional Court of Vienna (Oberlandesgericht Wien):
    IBAN
    AT26 0100 0000 0546 0030
    BIC/SWIFT
    BUNDATWW
    All payments must indicate the application number (national, if already known; International, if the national application number is not yet known), the name of the applicant and the type of fee being paid. Fees paid to the bank account of the Office are regarded as being received on the date on which the money is credited to the said account
    Forms
    The following documents are maintained by the Office. Refer to the Office website (Annex B) for latest version and other languages.
    Annex AT.II - Power of attorney
    Current version applicable from April 1, 2026 , printed on April 16, 2026
    3.0 #89 - 2026-04-06T07:25:04.304+02:00