IP Update: COVID-19 and Australian IP

Intellectual Property: 02 April 2020

Repercussions of the COVID-19 pandemic are being felt across the legal profession, extending to intellectual property both in Australia and worldwide.

Given the current crisis, IP Australia has acknowledged that COVID-19 will impact the ability of applicants and their representatives to process applications in respect of patents, trade marks and designs.

Importantly, for applicants facing COVID-19 related difficulties with carrying out such an action within their set timeframes, extensions may be available. Requests for such extensions of time must be made in the normal way and be accompanied by a declaration setting out how the COVID-19 pandemic has interfered with their ability to respond on time. Requests for a waiver or refund of the fee for an extension of time will be considered on a case-by-base basis.

For assistance in making applications in respect of your IP and to find out whether you are eligible for an extension of time, Aitken Partners' Intellectual Property team can assist.

If you need legal help please contact the following members of our team:

• Michael O'Brien - 03 8600 6000
• Erin Meeking - 03 8600 6078