New Patent Regulation Indonesia 2026 Makes Patent Filing More Flexible

Indonesia introduced Minister of Law Regulation No. 6 of 2026 to modernize its patent application system. The regulation introduces faster publication options, early substantive examination, mandatory electronic filing, and simplified requirements, giving international applicants more flexibility when protecting innovations in Indonesia.

What Is Indonesia’s New Patent Regulation 2026?

Indonesia has updated its patent application framework through Minister of Law Regulation No. 6 of 2026 on Patent Applications, replacing the previous regulations under Minister of Law and Human Rights Regulation No. 38 of 2018 and its amendment. The new regulation focuses on improving efficiency, digitalizing procedures, and accelerating certain stages of the patent application process.

For companies from Singapore, Malaysia, Thailand, and other ASEAN markets planning to commercialize technology in Indonesia, this update is important because patent protection is closely connected with investment decisions, market entry strategies, and technology licensing opportunities.

Indonesia continues to strengthen its intellectual property ecosystem. In 2025, the Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) recorded 15,192 patent applications among more than 412,000 total intellectual property applications submitted across various IP categories.

How Does the New Regulation Accelerate Patent Applications?

One of the biggest changes under the new patent regulation is the introduction of mechanisms that allow applicants to move through certain procedures faster.

Previously, patent applications were generally published no earlier than six months after filing. Under Regulation No. 6 of 2026, applicants may request accelerated publication as early as three months after filing, subject to applicable requirements and additional fees.

The regulation also introduces the possibility of early substantive examination, allowing applicants to request examination at an earlier stage. For businesses operating in competitive industries such as technology, healthcare, and manufacturing, faster procedural progress can help improve certainty when planning commercialization or investment activities.

However, acceleration does not remove the importance of proper patent preparation. A strong filing strategy remains necessary to avoid procedural delays.

Key Changes Foreign Applicants Should Know Before Filing

For international applicants, several updates may affect how patent applications are prepared:

1. Mandatory electronic filing
Patent applications must now generally be submitted electronically, supporting Indonesia’s broader digital transformation of government services.

2. Clearer patent claim requirements
The regulation provides clearer guidance that a patent application may contain up to 10 claims, with additional claims subject to additional fees. This helps applicants better estimate filing requirements and costs.

3. Simplified administrative documents
The regulation removes the previous requirement for a Statement of Invention Ownership for certain patent applications, including convention patent applications, PCT national phase applications, and simple patent applications.

These changes can make the filing process more predictable, especially for businesses unfamiliar with Indonesia’s patent procedures.

What Should Companies Prepare Before Filing a Patent in Indonesia?

A faster patent system does not replace the need for careful preparation. Foreign applicants should consider several steps before filing:

• Conduct a patent search to evaluate potential conflicts and patentability.
• Prepare complete patent specifications and technical documents.
• Determine whether accelerated publication or early substantive examination fits their business timeline.
• Ensure compliance with Indonesian filing requirements.

For companies expanding into Indonesia, patent protection is not only a legal requirement but also a business asset. A properly managed patent can support licensing opportunities, protect technological advantages, and strengthen market positioning.

Protect Your Innovation Strategy with Indonesia Patent Experts

Indonesia’s new patent regulation provides more flexibility for companies seeking protection for their inventions. However, navigating local filing requirements, examination procedures, and strategic timing remains essential for achieving effective patent protection.

AMR Partnership assists international clients with patent registration, patent searches, and intellectual property strategies in Indonesia. With professional guidance, businesses can better align their patent filings with commercial goals while adapting to the latest regulatory developments.

Reference

• Minister of Law Regulation No. 6 of 2026 on Patent Applications – Kementerian Hukum RI / peraturan.go.id
• Directorate General of Intellectual Property (DJKI) statistics on 2025 IP applications