Significant changes in Turkish Patent Law were reported in our November 1995 Newsletter (N.S. 186). Since then further changes have been made in the examination system. Before the law change, examination was carried out by either the European or Austrian Patent offices at the applicant's choice. This choice remained after the law change for applications filed up to November 5, 1995 (although fees now had to be routed through the Turkish Patent Institute rather than paid direct to the searching authority). For applications filed after that date, the Turkish Patent Institute will decide where the search and, if appropriate, subsequent examination will be carried out (most likely in Austria). However, since these tasks are to be carried out outside the country, payment is required in advance in German marks. The search must be requested within 15 months of the earliest claimed priority date, or if no priority is claimed, from the filing date.