--- title: "EPO to act as PCT authority for applicants from The Bahamas; PCT applicants gain ISA/IPEA access in 154 states" sdDatePublished: "2026-09-12T04:19:00Z" source: "https://www.epo.org/en/news-events/news/epo-act-pct-authority-applicants-bahamas" topics: - name: "patent, copyright and trademark" identifier: "medtop:20000206" - name: "international organisation" identifier: "medtop:20000644" - name: "scientific innovation" identifier: "medtop:20000736" locations: - "The Bahamas" --- EPO to act as PCT authority for applicants from The Bahamas; PCT applicants gain ISA/IPEA access in 154 states EPO to act as PCT authority for applicants from The Bahamas | epo.org EPO to act as PCT authority for applicants from The Bahamas As of 19 August 2026, nationals and residents of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas can use the EPO as their International Searching Authority and International preliminary Examining Authority under the PCT. The Bahamas Intellectual Property Office (BAHIPO) has designated the EPO as a competent International Searching Authority (ISA) and International Preliminary Examining Authority (IPEA) under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The designation applies to international applications filed as of 19 August 2026 by nationals or residents of the Commonwealth of The Bahamas, the date on which the PCT entered into force for the country. With that, the EPO can be selected as ISA and IPEA by nationals and residents of 154 out of the now 159 PCT Contracting States. The EPO’s international search report provides a solid basis for taking informed decisions on whether to enter the European phase and national phases before other offices. Once granted, a European patent can be validated in all 40 EPO member states and in six additional extension or validation states. As an alternative or in addition to validating the European patent in individual countries, the patent proprietor can request unitary effect, resulting in a Unitary Patent that provides uniform patent protection in 18 EU Member States. EPO to continue key role as PCT authority until 2037 PCT Assembly reappoints EPO as International Searching and Preliminary Examining Authority Enhancing international co-operation in Geneva EPO President Campinos holds over 20 meetings with national offices during WIPO Assemblies Recognising breakthrough startups in quantum and AI EPO joins Servus Scale Up 2026 in Munich to support Franco-Bavarian co-operation Faster patent processing for applicants to the EPO and CNIPA New bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway pilot programme between the EPO and the China National Intellectual Property Administration EPO President visits Angola and São Tomé and Príncipe to strengthen co-operation on innovation and patent protection Visit highlights growing co-operation and the signature of a validation agreement with Angola EPO participates in annual EARTO conference on industrial competitiveness New EPO-EARTO MoU announced to support Europe’s research and technology organisations EPO at UNION-IP Congress 2026 in Amsterdam Vice-President Steve Rowan addresses annual congress of the Union of European Practitioners in IP Artificial intelligence in focus at meeting of world’s five largest patent offices in Tokyo IP5 heads strengthen co-operation on use of AI to improve services, quality and efficiency Inauguration of PMAC in Slovenia EPO President attends launch of the Patent Mediation and Arbitration Centre in Ljubljana Republic of Moldova joins European Patent Organisation as 40th member state Accession takes effect on 1 June ​​EPO holds annual workshop with CPVO ​​Supporting innovation and contributing expertise in the plant sector EPO strengthens co-operation in Latin America and the Caribbean High-level conference on innovation, IP and sustainable growth in Chile Unlocking innovation potential in Latin America and the Caribbean New EPO–ECLAC study shows how IP rights drive economic growth in the region EPO member states convene for their 20th annual co-operation meeting EPO and national offices gather in Split to align on the key drivers shaping innovation in Europe and to define shared priorities for the future EPO President delivers keynote at INTA Annual Meeting in London Recent visit also includes meetings with the UK government and the heads of the UK, US and Canadian IP offices EPO takes part in World IP Day celebrations in Portugal EPO President speaks at event on the impact of AI on intellectual property EPO, OEPM and WIPO host LATIPAT Meeting Regional meeting with 16 national IP offices to strengthen co-operation Deepening EPO partnerships in Ireland EPO President speaks at LESI conference and meets key Irish stakeholders Reinforcing co-operation to support technology transfer EPO meets with the German Association of Industry IP Experts Exchanges on IP awareness, the Unitary Patent system, leveraging AI and EPO quality initiatives