Israeli Patent Prosecution for Foreign Applicants
We prosecute Israeli patent applications for foreign firms from entry through grant and renewal. Our aim is to reach allowance with claims that match the scope you are pursuing elsewhere, at a predictable cost.
Responding to ILPO examination reports
When an examination report issues, we send you a reporting letter within days. It summarises each objection and recommends a response. Hebrew-language communications are translated into English at no extra charge. Where claims have been allowed in a corresponding application, we assess whether adopting them will overcome the Israeli objections.
Response deadlines can be extended on payment of official fees, generally by up to six months in total, although the extension available can depend on extensions already taken in earlier rounds. We recommend responding within the original term wherever possible, as repeated extensions add cost and may delay allowance.
If you send proposed amendments or arguments, we review them against Israeli law and ILPO practice before filing. Amendments acceptable in another jurisdiction are not always acceptable in Israel, and we tell you where adjustments are needed. Please send proposed claim amendments as Word documents.
Prior art disclosure under Section 18
Israeli applicants have a continuing duty to disclose to the ILPO prior art cited against corresponding applications in other jurisdictions. The duty runs until acceptance. Failure to comply can have serious consequences for the patent.
Accelerating examination
- “Green” inventions. Applications for environmentally beneficial inventions can qualify for accelerated examination.
- Reliance on a foreign allowance (Section 17(c)). Where a corresponding application has been allowed by a recognised office, the Israeli claims can be conformed to the allowed claims, which can significantly shorten Israeli examination.
- Accelerated examination (Section 19A). Available on specified statutory grounds. We advise whether your case qualifies.
- Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH). We can assist with PPH requests based on claims found allowable by a participating office.
We advise on which route suits your timeline and budget.
Acceptance, opposition and grant
Once the examiner allows the application, the allowance fee is paid and acceptance is published. Third parties may oppose within three months of publication. If no opposition is filed, the patent is granted.
Renewals
The first renewal fee is due within three months of grant and covers the patent until the end of the sixth year from filing. Later renewals fall due before the end of the 6th, 10th, 14th and 18th years. Renewal for the full term can be paid in one installment. Patent term extension is available for qualifying medical products.
Why foreign firms use us for Israeli patents
- Experience. Extensive experience with patent filing and prosecution in Israel.
- Working relationship with the ILPO. Good communication with Israeli patent examiners.
- Status updates. We keep you fully informed of status and upcoming activities.
- Cost and speed. Creative use of Israeli filing options to save money and speed up prosecution, including PPH, accelerated examination for “green” inventions, and reliance on foreign examination results.
- English throughout. English explanation of any Hebrew communication from the ILPO, at no extra charge.
Contact us to transfer an Israeli case or to discuss an examination report. Entering Israel from a PCT application? See PCT National Phase Entry in Israel.