Patent Examination Request —
Activate Examination &
Move Toward Grant
Filing the patent application is not enough — examination must be actively requested. Without a Request for Examination (Form 18), your application sits unpublished and unexamined indefinitely, and is deemed abandoned at 48 months. TaxClue files Form 18 at the strategically optimal time to maximise grant speed and protection.
4 Patent Deadlines That Cannot Be Missed
Unlike provisional filings and FER responses, certain patent deadlines operate by law — missing them means automatic abandonment with no remedy. The 48-month deadline for filing Form 18 (Request for Examination) is one of them.
If Form 18 is not filed within 48 months of the filing/priority date, the application is abandoned by operation of law. No court, no controller, no extension. TaxClue tracks this deadline for every patent application.
48-Month Deadline — No Extension Available
If Form 18 is not filed within 48 months of the filing/priority date, the application is abandoned by operation of law. No court, no controller, no extension. TaxClue tracks this deadline for every patent application and files Form 18 by Month 45 at the latest — providing a 3-month buffer against administrative delays.
Standard Examination vs Expedited Examination (Form 18A)
Standard Examination — Form 18
For all applicants. Typical grant timeline 3–6 years. Can be filed any time between publication and the 48-month limit. Examiner issues FER typically 12–24 months after Form 18.
Expedited Examination — Form 18A
Faster track for eligible applicants — FER typically within 12 months. Available to: startups, small entities, female inventors, applicants who filed PCT with India as ISA/IPEA. Also available when applicant is working the invention in India or government interest is involved.
File Early — Month 1–6 (Expedited Track)
Best for startups and DPIIT-recognised entities who qualify for Form 18A. Faster grant = faster enforcement rights. Useful when a competitor is likely infringing.
File at Publication — Month 18
Most common strategic timing. Allows 18 months to assess whether the market justifies examination costs. Examination result typically arrives 2–3 years from filing.
Filing Form 18 with TaxClue — 4 Steps
Application Review
TaxClue reviews the application number, filing date, applicant category, and eligibility for expedited examination (Form 18A) vs standard (Form 18).
Form 9 (if required)
If early publication is required, Form 9 is prepared and filed simultaneously — triggering publication earlier than the automatic 18-month date to start the examination clock faster.
Form 18 / 18A Prepared
Form 18 (or Form 18A for expedited) prepared with correct applicant details, application number, and supporting documentation for eligibility (startup certificate, DPIIT recognition, etc.).
Filed on IPO Portal
Form 18 / 18A filed on the Indian Patent Office e-filing portal with govt. fee paid. Filing acknowledgement received. Application enters the examination queue. FER expected 12–24 months.
Government Fees — Form 18 & Form 18A
The same fee applies for both Form 18 (Standard) and Form 18A (Expedited). Startups pay 1/5th of large entity fees.
| Applicant Category | Form 18 Fee (Physical) | Form 18 Fee (E-Filing) | Form 18A Fee |
|---|---|---|---|
| Individual / Startup | ₹4,000 | ₹3,600 | ₹3,600 |
| Small Entity / MSME | ₹10,000 | ₹9,000 | ₹9,000 |
| Large Entity / Company | ₹20,000 | ₹18,000 | ₹18,000 |
| Educational Institution | ₹4,000 | ₹3,600 | ₹3,600 |
Key Facts
Why Choose TaxClue?
Deadline Never Missed
48-month tracking for every application.
Expedited Track Expertise
Form 18A eligibility assessed.
Strategic Timing Advice
When to file for maximum benefit.
4.9/5 · Patent Agents
Registered with IPO.
Frequently Asked Questions
Don't Let Your Patent Application Lapse — File Form 18 Now
Your patent application generates no rights until examination is requested. TaxClue files Form 18 at the optimal strategic time — and never misses the 48-month absolute deadline that abandons your application with no remedy.
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