Wednesday, 18 May 2016

India: Highlights of the Patent (Amendment) Rules, 2016

The Indian government has brought into force its Patents (Amendment) Rules 2016, a modification of its existing rules. The amendments, which entered into force, May 16, follow the publication of draft rules published in November last year.
  1. Rule 2: Clause (db) inserted
    This is an important insertion in Rule 2, as it paves the way for requesting expedited examination of patents, and lays the foundation for the newly inserted Rule 24C.

  2. Rule 24C introduced providing Form 18A for Expedited Examination

    The introduction of Form 18A sets up the mechanism for an applicant to file a request for an expedited examination. As per rule 24 (C), an applicant may file a request for expedite examination if:
    • he/she has indicated India as the competent International Searching Authority or elected India as an International Preliminary Examining Authority; or
    • applicant is a start-up

    The introduction of Rule 24C is a major step towards expediting the patent prosecution process by laying down clear provisions with regard to the grounds on which it can be done, payment of fees, special provisions focusing on startups, etc. Further, a request for examination filed under rule 24B may be converted to a request for expedited examination.

    The First Examination Report (FER) in case of expedited examination shall be issued in 3 and half months and the reply to the office action shall be filed within 6 months from the date of issuance of FER. The Controller shall dispose off the application within 3 months of receiving FER response.  
  3. Proviso added to Rule 7(4) and Sub-Rule 4A added to Rule 7: Refund of Fee
    The Proviso added to sub-rule 4 of Rule 7 allows refund of excess fee in cases where fee was paid more than once during the online filing process, for the same proceeding. Sub-rule 4A also added after sub-rule 4 provides for refund upon withdrawal of application on a request made by the applicant on Form 29.

  4. Sub-rule (2) to Rule 8 amended – Form 30 introduced where no form specified
    The amended Sub-rule (2) provides for Form 30 to be used where no form has been specified for any purpose.

  5. Rule 26 amended: Request for withdrawal on Form 29
    This amendment lays down that request for withdrawal of application shall be made in Form 29, and not “in writing”.

  6. Rule 6 amended: Leaving & Serving Documents –Online filing; Delay in filing to be condoned only under limited circumstances
    As per inserted sub-rule 1A, electronic transmission is the only way through which a patent agent can file the required documents (which are authenticated) before the Controller, thereby providing for more efficient transmission, cataloguing, and preservation of the documents. The proviso imposes an obligation to file the electronically submitted documents in original within 15 days.

    Under sub-rule 6, the reasons for condonation of delay are limited to war, revolution, civil disorder, strike, natural calamity, and a general unavailability of electronic communication services. There is a further requirement that the situation must have been of such severity as to disrupt the normal communication in that area. This provision ensures that delay is not condoned for superficial reasons. Sub-rule 7 clarifies that the burden of proof of authenticity of documents shall lie with the one who files.

  7. Rule 28 amended: Hearing through video-conference in cases of anticipation by prior publication
    The amendment allowing hearing in anticipation matters under section 13 to be held through video-conferencing is a welcome addition as it provides for an inclusive and efficient procedure for interested parties who are based outside India or not available to attend the hearing.

  8. Rule 5 amended: Address for service
    Rule 5 now clarifies that every person/applicant shall furnish a postal address in India, along with an e-mail address to the Controller. The obligation on the Patent agent to provide a mobile number registered in India makes this provision more stringent and effective.

  9. Rule 13 & 14 amended: Writing claims and amendments to specifications – procedure clarified
    In Rule 13, it has been directed to include the reference number of drawings in the claims as well. The amendment to Rule 14, with regard to amendments to specifications has been elaborated upon, and the procedure in this respect is further clarified.

  10. Rule 135 (1) amended: Power of Attorney – Time period
    From the date of filing of application, a time period of 3 months is given for filing of Power of Attorney. Once the prescribed time period of 3 months is lapsed then no action shall be taken.

  11. Rule 24B (6) amended: Reply to office action – time period reduced
    The time period for putting an application in order for grant is reduced to 6 months from the earlier time period of 12 months. However, the Office by a further notification on May 18, 2016 clarified that the time for replying to FER is 6 months for the cases where the FER is issued on or after May 16, 2016. Hence the time period for filing response to FER for cases where it has been issued before May 16, 2016 shall remain 12 months from the date on which the same was issued.

  12. Rule 129A inserted: Restriction on adjournment of hearings 
    An applicant seeking an adjournment has to make a request for hearing with reasonable cause, at least three days before the date of hearing, and no party under no circumstances shall be given more than two adjournments and each adjournment shall not be for more than thirty days. 
Source: http://ipindia.nic.in/iponew/publicNotice_18May2016.pdf
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