On 11 September 2020, the Deputy Director-General of IP Australia issued three notices relating to extension of time fees concerning patent, trade mark and design applications.
The notices provide that fees will not apply to some extensions of time during the COVID-19 pandemic requested in the period 1 October to 31 October 2020. Exemptions are currently in place to the end of September.
The three notices provide that applicants are exempt from paying fees for applying for extensions of time on the basis that they are:
- unable to fully consider the prosecution of the particular right
- pay the fee
- undertake another relevant action due to the disruptive effects of the COVID-19 pandemic.
The request can only relate to requests for an extension of up to 3 months.
Further information can be found at IP Australia here.