The scope of applicability for the Accelerated Examination Program has been expanded, the Taiwan Intellectual Property Office announced in December 2021. Beginning on January 1st, 2022, the AEP will be expanded to include green technologies such as energy-saving, carbon emission reduction, and resource-saving technologies. In addition, applications on the grounds of ‘essential to commercial exploitation’ and ‘inventions related to green technologies’ will have their accelerated examination results issued within 6 months instead of 9 months after filing all the necessary documents which can then undergo an expedited examination process. This new initiative is expected to help in promoting the research and development of green patents and accelerate commercialization of related products according to TIPO. Deep & Far Attorneys -at-Law