Extension of the timelines/periods as prescribed under IP Acts

Whereas this office has issued Public Notices regarding the timelines/periods as prescribed under the IP Acts and Rules administered by the O/o CGPDTM towards completion of various acts/proceedings, filing of reply/document, payment of fees, etc. in the matters of any IP applications,falling due between the lockdown period, i.e. 25th March, 2020 to 3rd May, 2020, in accordance with section 10 of the General Clauses Act, 1897.

Whereas, the lockdown period has been extended to further period of two weeks, i.e. till 17th May, 2020 by GoI, MHA ORDER No. 40-3/2020-DM-I(A) dated 1st May, 2020. Even though as per guidelines annexed with the order of MHA, the IP Offices are functional (with reduced strength), substantive limitations/restrictions on the movement of public and functioning of private offices in the Red Zones (Hotspots), are still in place.

Therefore, considering the fact that all the IP offices in India are located in Red Zones (Hotspots), the due dates, with respect to timelines/periods prescribed under the IP Acts and Rules administered by the O/o CGPDTM towards completion of various acts/proceedings, filing of any reply/document, payment of fees, etc. in the matters of any IP applications filed with the offices under the administrative control of O/o CGPDTM, falling due between the above said lockdown period, shall be 18th May, 2020.