The ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation (ASPEC) programme is undergoing changes, with PCT-ASPEC becoming a permanent feature whilst ASPEC AIM will be discontinued. ASPEC enhancements will be launched in 2026.
26 August 2025
The ASEAN Member States currently offer the ASEAN Patent Examination Co-operation (ASPEC) programme, along with the pilot PCT-ASPEC[1] and ASPEC AIM[2] options for applicants, to share search and examination results to allow applicants to obtain corresponding patents faster and more efficiently.
ASEAN Member States have established that PCT-ASPEC will transition from its pilot status to become a permanent feature of the ASPEC programme given the ongoing interest. Meanwhile, ASPEC AIM will be discontinued due to low usage. These updates will take effect when the pilot term for PCT-ASPEC and ASPEC AIM concludes on 26 August 2025.
Looking forward, ASEAN continues to find new ways to support businesses and innovators. ASEAN Member States are working towards launching ASPEC enhancements early next year to offer applicants more closely harmonised patent reports, where possible, and within committed timelines. More details of the ASPEC enhancement will be shared ahead of its launch in 2026.
[1] To rely on PCT reports issued by an ASEAN International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority for ASPEC acceleration. [2] To accelerate Industry 4.0 patent applications.
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