IP SPOTLIGHT 6 APRIL 2020

IP AUSTRALIA UPDATES

WRAYS VIRTUAL MEETINGS

IP Australia is meeting the COVID-19 pandemic with a business as usual response. We present here IP Australia’s response to applications for extension of time, the conduct of hearings and why IP Australia expects business as usual as a consequence of COVID-19.

COVID-19 has impacted everyone’s business in different ways, however, business goes on in our brave new world. Although we have temporarily closed our offices in Sydney, Melbourne, Adelaide and Perth, our team is still fully available through telephone or video conference. We would like you to join us for a series of virtual online meetings about current trending IP topics that may be affecting your business.

Due to the threat of COVID-19, many Patent Offices around the world have implemented the suspension of, or extensions in the time limits, to complete certain actions. Australia is no different. On 19 March 2020, IP Australia (the Australian office of Patents, Trade Marks, Designs, Copyright and Plant Breeders Rights) issued a statement confirming that where an applicant cannot carry out an action within a time due to the COVID-19 outbreak, an extension of time may be available provided standard extension of time conditions are met. Please contact us if you need more information concerning those conditions. IP Australia also stated that requests for waiver or refund of a fee for an extension of time will be considered on a case by case basis.

On 19 March 2020, IP Australia notified clients and practitioners that future opposition hearings will be held by video conference, telephone or written submission. On 30 March 2020, IP Australia issued a statement confirming that it has taken extra precautions to ensure the health and safety of its staff. IP Australia is committed to processing requests and responding to enquiries as during the COVID-19 pandemic. Prior to COVID-19, many Australian Examiners worked from home. As such, IP Australia expects business as usual with minimal disruption.

Wrays recognises that many of its clients and members of the IP community may be experiencing isolation as we all transition into remote working. We understand that regular contact by telephone or video conferencing is vital for a productive and satisfying wellbeing in the present environment. Considering this, Wrays will be making available to all its clients, online virtual meeting sessions about current trending IP topics that may be affecting your businesses. The aim of these sessions is to help, encourage and facilitate communication and discussion amongst our IP community.

We will provide more information about this topic shortly.

GARY COX Chairman & Principal

DONNA MEREDITH Associate