Last week we provided updates on some of the IP Offices that have taken steps to deal with the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Following is a summary of additional IP Offices that have announced deadline extensions since our previous updates.
Canada
CIPO has suspended deadlines due between March 16 and March 31 2020, adding: “[I]f the circumstances that led to the designation of these days continues, the Commissioner, Registrar and Minister may decide to extend the period of time for which days are designated.” CIPO’s regional offices in Toronto, Vancouver, Edmonton and Montréal “are not receiving CIPO correspondence until further notice”.
Read more here.
Argentina
The National Institute of Industrial Property of Argentina (INPI), has suspended all deadlines that were in progress between March 12 and April 3, 2020.
Read more here.
India
The Office has published a notice that says that trade mark applicants can request for an extension of time. The Office has also cancelled all hearings for the rest of this month.
Read more here.
Malaysia
MyIPO announced that deadlines relating to appeals, opposition and payments are extended until 30 April 2020.
Renewal deadlines for patents and industrial designs are extended until 1 April 2020, while Trade Marks renewal which was due within the period of 27 December 2019 to 27 March 2020, are extended until 30 April 2020.
Read more here.
Philippines
IPOPHL has suspended hearings, including mediation proceedings, scheduled March 16 to April 14, 2020. Deadlines for all papers, pleadings, documents, and payments falling due within the affected period are deemed extended for 30 calendar days from the due date.
Letters, queries, or any other written communications may be filed beginning April 15, 2020. Meanwhile, submissions of copyrighted work for recordation are also suspended pending the rollout of an online infrastructure for said process.
Read more here
Maintaining IP Rights
As previously mentioned, we remind IP owners that they should still aim to respond swiftly to requests for instructions by their attorney, despite deadline extensions, to ensure efficient processing of matters and continued IP protection.
If you have a specific deadline that you feel you are unlikely to be able to meet due to disruptions caused to your industry by the pandemic, please contact us for advice as soon as possible by directly contacting your attorney via phone or email or contact our office mail@mbip.com.au.