The Indian Patent office (IPO) has published an update on India’s progress as an international searching authority. As per the report, the number of Applicants choosing India as a searching authority is on a rise. From 123 in 2013, the count rose to 711 in the year 2015-16 and 940 in 2016-17. (Period from 31^st March to 1^st April).

In fact, more than 50% of Indian Applicants in year’s 2015-16 and 2016-17 have chosen India as the searching authority. The reason for this steep increase could be reduced cost, or the availability of the option of applying for expedited examination of the Indian National phase application. Applicants choosing India as the searching authority (ISA) or IPEA are eligible for expedited examination of corresponding national phase application in India. The examination report in such cases are being issued within 2 months from date of request of expedited examination and the final decision in respect of the application is taken within three months from date of reply by the Applicant.