5) Deadlines & Extensions Flashcards
Can a DL be extended because of an “irregularity of procedure” from UKIPO? r107
Comptroller may:
- Correct irregularities
- only extend DL if the UKIPO contributed (wholly or partly) to irregularity
eg. if UKIPO does not send out a communication on which a DL depends (UKSR?)
What is the DL(s) for paying the (a) application fee, (b) search fee and (c) providing claims (all the same)?
(i) for a direct GB
(ii) for priority-claiming GB
What is the effect if any or all are not provided/paid
(i) FD + 12M
(ii) The later of:
- 12M from from priority
- 2M from filing
Effect = application is deemed withdrawn
What are the minimal requirement for UK application
- Request for grant (PF1)
- Applicant’s name and address
- Spec (not necessary to include claims to get a FD) or ref to an earlier app
If Applicant does not provide his name and/or address when filing the application, - what is the DL for doing so?
- what is the effect if not done?
DL = 2M from the request to comply
Effect = Application is refused
i) What are the language requirements of the Application?
ii) What happens if Spec provided in Japanese (without a translation)?
iii) What is the DL for providing a translation?
iv) What is the effect if not done?
i) App must be in English or Welsh
ii) Comptroller request a translation
iii) DL = 2M from request
iv) Effect = Application is refused
If Applicant does not provide the “ref to an earlier app” when filing the application?
-what is the DL for doing so when a translation is needed
- what is the effect if not done?
-what is the DL for doing so, when a translation is not needed?
- what is the effect if not done?
DL = 4M from the request to comply
NB. This DL is not extendable
Effect = Application is refused
DL = Latest of PD(Priority-claiming)/FD(Direct GB) +12M or FD (Priority-claiming)+2M
Effect = Application is deemed withdrawn
In what scenario does can an initial filing date be re-dated to a later filing date?
Can you reverse the re-dating?
If [before prelim. exam or within 2M of notif. by prelim examiner] Applicant files:
1. An extra drawing
2. Some extra text
Reverse the re-dating by withdrawing the missing part
What are 2 negative possible consequences of a later re-dated FD?
- Intervening Publications
- May lose priority claim (if >12M)
When are “formal” drawings typically filed?
What is prelim. examiner requests them, what is the DL?
Around 15M
DL = Request +1M
Does an abstract form part of the state of the art?
Can you use the Abstract as basis for an amendment
Abstract is not part of the spec, so:
1) Not citable as novelty-only [s2(3)/A54(3] art
2) Can’t use as basis
When published, it is of course citable (as contents available publically)
Complete the UK requirement for Unity of Invention:
Two or more inventions are unified when they share a […1] based on […2] or […3] special […4] that when considered together as a whole, define a […5]
- Technical relationship
- Matching
- Complementary
- Technical features
- Contribution over the prior art
In what situation are TMs to be used in specs?
Do not use if TM is an indication of the origin rather than the composition or content of goods, and where a generic term can be used instead.
TMs are only permitted in claims where it can be shown that their use is unavoidable and does not introduce ambiguity.
Does the Doctrine of equivalence (Actavis) apply to ranges?
How would the range “1-25%” and “about 10%” be interpreted?
No, departure from a claimed range, however small, is not a variant.
1%-25% is understood by a skilled person to include all values
- greater than or equal to 0.5% and
- less than 25.5%
Remember: Range include all values which would fall within the claimed range, once the values are rounded up/down to the nearest whole number.
About 10% –> claim extends to 9-11%
Because “about” suggests that something wider was meant than if the word was omitted
Can s2(3) are be used to demonstrate that common subject-matter is not new (i.e., lack of Unity)?
No, only s2(2) art can be used!
Can you raise lack of unity as a ground for revocation of granted claims?
What about for post-grant amended claims?
No
Still no
By when must you positively withdraw a GB application, to stop it from publishing?
Before the tech preps for publication have been completed
~5 weeks before PD+18M (=PD+16M3w)
If a app is published despite a request to withdraw it (eg because withdrawal was received too late to prevent publication), does it count as the state of the art?
Counts as s2(2) art [because available to the public] but not as s2(3) art [no risk of DP]
By when must you positively withdraw a GB application, to stop it from proceeding to grant?
Before the issue of the letter informing Applicant of grant
What condition(s) does a withdrawal of a UK application have to meet to be acted on by the UKIPO?
Must be:
1. Clear
2. Unqualified
3. In writing (paper or electronic)
4. From a person with the authority to make the withdrawal
What is the actual date of the deemed withdrawal?
Date on which the withdrawal is filed
NB. Deemed filed when the email enters the UKIPO internal email system (not when it’s sent)