diff --git a/pandas/util/clipboard.py b/pandas/util/clipboard.py
index 02da0d5b8159f..deac1ebdfb62d 100644
--- a/pandas/util/clipboard.py
+++ b/pandas/util/clipboard.py
@@ -244,7 +244,7 @@ def _pasteKlipper():
         copy = _copyGtk
     elif qtBindingInstalled:
         _functions = 'PyQt4 module'  # for debugging
-        app = QtGui.QApplication([])
+        app = QtGui.QApplication.instance() or QtGui.QApplication([])
         cb = QtGui.QApplication.clipboard()
         paste = _pasteQt
         copy = _copyQt