Further to our previous updates regarding IP Australia and the COVID-19 pandemic, IP Australia has decided to extend the deadline for requesting extensions of time when a deadline cannot be met due to COVID-19. The deadline has been extended to 31 October 2020.
To reiterate, IP Australia has a streamlined process for requesting extensions of time relating to COVID-19. In this regard, no evidence or declarations are required. Furthermore, no official fee is applicable for these extensions. The maximum extension length is three (3) months.
Many patents, trade marks and designs deadlines can be extended by using these provisions. Please note that there are some deadlines which cannot be extended due to COVID-19. One of the major deadlines which cannot be extended is the payment of renewal fees. However, there is still a six (6) month grace period which applies for these deadlines.
If you believe that some deadlines for your patent, trade mark and/or designs cannot be met due to the COVID-19 pandemic, then please do not hesitate to contact us.
