Taiwan has established a comprehensive support system for startups through initiatives such as the Small Business Innovation Research (SBIR) Program, the Positive Patent Examination Pilot Program for Startup Companies, and the Asia Silicon Valley Development Plan. On June 16, TIPO outlined a series of measures centered on the Three Core Strategies for Startup Patent Portfolios to further strengthen startup competitiveness and accelerate patent portfolios. These measures aim to help innovative enterprises obtain patent protection more quickly, enhance their technological competitiveness, and strengthen their fundraising capabilities.

1. Positive Patent Examination Pilot Program for Startup Companies: Under this program, examiners proactively conduct interviews with applicants and provide recommendations for revisions, helping improve application quality and examination efficiency. In 2025, the average disposal pendency was only 65.8 days, with an approval rate exceeding 93%, benefiting 97 startup companies to date. Since 2025, the program has also expanded its eligibility to include companies that have received national innovation awards within the previous two years, and companies receiving guidance from organizations commissioned by TIPO under the technology development program.

2. Accelerated Examination Program (AEP): The AEP is available when the corresponding foreign application has been granted, when early examination is necessary for commercial exploitation, or when an invention relates to green technologies. Under this program, applicants can generally receive the examination results in approximately two months, helping startups seize opportunities in international markets and the growing ESG economy.

3. Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) and Taiwan-Support Using the PPH Agreement (TW-SUPA): TIPO has established PPH cooperation with patent offices in eight jurisdictions, including the United States, Japan, and the Republic of Korea. These mechanisms enable startup companies that obtain patents in Taiwan to accelerate corresponding patent applications in major overseas markets.

According to the latest statistics, startup companies using the Positive Patent Examination Pilot Program have secured 39 investment cases, with total fundraising reaching US$298 million (approximately NT$9 billion), demonstrating that strategic patent portfolios can significantly enhance startups' fundraising capabilities.

In addition, to help startups develop effective patent portfolios, TIPO provides technology intelligence support through patent trend reports, compilations of cases, and the Standard-Essential Patent (SEP) Information Platform, covering key industries such as artificial intelligence (AI), net-zero technologies, semiconductors, and smart aging technologies. TIPO also promotes the Accelerated Examination Program for Startups, which offers integrated support ranging from prior-art searches and intellectual property consultation to investor matchmaking. The project is directly linked with the Positive Patent Examination Pilot Program, helping startups reduce filing risks while connecting with potential investors even before patent rights are granted, accelerating patent portfolios and enhancing international competitiveness.

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