INDIA: COVID-19 UPDATE: IPO fixes new due date of June 1, 2020 for all matters with original due dat

The Indian Intellectual Property Office (IPO) has fixed June 1, 2020 as the new due date for all matters where the original due date was falling between March 15 to May 17, 2020. The deadline for all matters falling due between May 18 to May 31, 2020 remains unchanged.

The IPO has also stated that the rights of individuals or applicants seeking extension of time/condonation of delay under various provisions of the relevant Acts and Rules in respect of these applications will remain unaffected.

However, as it is still difficult to perform several tasks such as notarization of documents, courier of original documents, etc., we expect further clarification from the IPO regarding such matters. In addition, the decision of IPO to keep due dates falling between May 18 to 31, 2020 as unchanged is also likely to be challenged before the Court in a pending writ petition and further news in this regard is expected soon.

We advise you to provide us with instructions and documents for any filings/ actions in respect of those IP matters, whose deadline was due between March 15 - May 17, 2020 at the earliest, so that we can take the necessary action before the deadline of June 1, 2020.

We continue to serve clients in the usual manner as our teams are working remotely with 100% capacity and robust IT systems in place.

Please feel free to contact us for any clarifications.