On March 19, 2020, the Indian IP office (office of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks -CGPDTM), issued a [notification] in view of the extended lockdown. According to the notification:
- All in person hearings in Patents and Designs matters scheduled on or before 15th April 2020 will be done through Video Conferencing (VC). Wherever the applicant is unable to agree for the VC hearing, the Controller will adjourn such hearing for a date later than 15th April 2020.
- As regards condonation of delay/extension of timelines to file responses and/or documents relating to various proceedings, basis sub-rule 6 of Rule 6 of Patent Rules, 2003, such delay would be condoned/timeline be extended by the Controller on a petition for such condonation of delay/extension of time made not later than one month from the date when COVID-19 outbreak ceases to exist.