There are new changes to the way specifications are submitted for patent applications at IP Australia. These are set out in the Best Practice Guide for Filing a Patent Application in Australia.
A summary of the most significant changes is provided below:
• Line numbering is no longer used, paragraph numbering is used instead;
• Abstract, description and claims must have the left hand margin set at least at 2.5cm and all other margins set at least at 2cm;
• Paragraphs should be left aligned;
• No bold, italic or underlined text;
• Text must be set at 1.5 spacing and the space between the paragraphs should be at least twice the intra-paragraph line spacing; and
• Page numbers must be centred at the top of each page and should be located 0.5cm from the margin.
We would like to encourage associates to comply with these standards when sending specifications to us for filing in Australia.
For more information, contact Wrays on +61 8 9216 5100 or visit the IP Australia website www.ipaustralia.gov.au