Commonwealth Consolidated Acts Commonwealth Consolidated ActsAct No. 83 of 1990 as amended
This compilation was prepared on 27 March 2007
taking into account amendments up to Act No. 106 of 2006
The text of any of those
amendments not in force
on that date is appended in the Notes section
The operation of amendments that have been incorporated may
be
affected by application provisions that are set out in the Notes section
Prepared by the Office of
Legislative Drafting and Publishing,
Attorney‑General's Department,
Canberra
Contents
Chapter 1--Introductory 1
1............ Short title [see Note 1] ....................................................................... 1
2............ Commencement [see Note 1] .............................................................. 1
3............ Definitions .......................................................................................... 1
4............ What are the typical steps in getting and maintaining a standard patent? 3
5............ Associated applications ...................................................................... 6
6............ Deposit requirements ......................................................................... 6
7............ Novelty and inventive step ................................................................ 6
8............ Disclosure in basic applications ......................................................... 8
9............ Secret use ............................................................................................ 8
10.......... Certain international applications to be taken to have been given an international filing date 9
11.......... Act binds the Crown ........................................................................ 10
12.......... Application of Act ........................................................................... 10
12A....... Application of the Criminal Code .................................................... 10
Chapter 2--Patent rights, ownership and validity 11
Part 1--Patent rights 11
13.......... Exclusive rights given by patent ....................................................... 11
14.......... Assignment of patent ...................................................................... 11
Part 2--Ownership 12
15.......... Who may be granted a patent? ......................................................... 12
16.......... Co‑ownership of patents .................................................................. 12
17.......... Directions to co‑owners .................................................................. 13
Part 3--Validity 14
Division 1--Validity 14
18.......... Patentable inventions ........................................................................ 14
19.......... Certificate of validity ........................................................................ 15
20.......... Validity of patent not guaranteed ..................................................... 15
21.......... Validity not implied by making or refusal of non‑infringement declaration 16
Division 2--Matters not affecting validity 17
22.......... Invalidity in relation to one claim not to affect validity in relation to other claims 17
23.......... Validity not affected by publication etc. after priority date ............ 17
24.......... Validity not affected by certain publication or use .......................... 17
25.......... Validity: patents of addition ............................................................. 18
26.......... Validity not affected in certain cases involving amendments ........... 18
Division 3--Notice of matters affecting validity 19
27.......... Notice of matters affecting validity of standard patents .................. 19
28.......... Notice of matters affecting validity of innovation patents ............... 19
Chapter 3--From application to acceptance 21
Part 1--Patent applications 21
Division 1--Applications 21
29.......... Application for patent ...................................................................... 21
30.......... Filing date ......................................................................................... 21
31.......... Joint applicants ................................................................................ 21
32.......... Disputes between applicants etc. ..................................................... 21
33.......... Applications by opponents etc. ....................................................... 22
34.......... Applications by eligible persons arising out of Court proceedings .. 24
35.......... Applications by eligible persons following revocation by Commissioner 24
36.......... Other applications by eligible persons ............................................. 25
37.......... Complete application may be treated as provisional ....................... 26
38.......... Time for making complete application ............................................. 26
Division 2--Specifications 28
40.......... Specifications .................................................................................... 28
41.......... Specifications: micro‑organisms ...................................................... 28
42.......... Micro‑organisms ceasing to be reasonably available ........................ 29
Division 3--Priority dates 31
43.......... Priority dates .................................................................................... 31
Part 2--Examination of standard patent requests and specifications 32
Division 1--Examination 32
44.......... Request for examination ................................................................... 32
45.......... Examination [see also Table B] ........................................................ 32
46.......... Request for deferment of examination .............................................. 33
Division 2--Modified examination 35
47.......... Request for modified examination .................................................... 35
48.......... Modified examination [see also Table B] ......................................... 35
Part 3--Acceptance 36
Division 1--Acceptance of standard patents 36
49.......... Acceptance of patent request: standard patent ................................ 36
50.......... Application or grant may be refused in certain cases ....................... 37
51.......... Appeal .............................................................................................. 37
Division 2--Acceptance of innovation patents 38
52.......... Formalities check and acceptance of innovation patents .................. 38
Chapter 4--Publication 39
53.......... Publication of certain information about
applicants etc.
[see also Table B]
............................................................................. 39
54.......... Notice of publication ........................................................................ 39
55.......... Documents open to public inspection .............................................. 40
56.......... Certain documents not to be published ............................................ 41
57.......... Effect of publication of complete specification ................................ 41
58.......... Result of search may be disclosed .................................................... 42
Chapter 5--Opposition to grant of standard patent 43
59.......... Opposition to grant of standard patent ............................................ 43
60.......... Hearing and decision by Commissioner ............................................ 43
Chapter 6--Grant and term of patents 44
Part 1--Grant 44
61.......... Grant of standard patent .................................................................. 44
62.......... Grant and publication of innovation patent ..................................... 44
63.......... Joint patentees .................................................................................. 45
64.......... Grant: multiple applications ............................................................. 45
65.......... Date of patent ................................................................................... 45
66.......... Sealing of duplicate of patent ........................................................... 45
Part 2--Term 47
67.......... Term of standard patent ................................................................... 47
68.......... Term of innovation patent ................................................................ 47
Part 3--Extension of term of standard patents relating to pharmaceutical substances 48
70.......... Applications for extension of patent ................................................ 48
71.......... Form and timing of an application .................................................... 49
72.......... Notification and public inspection of application ............................ 50
73.......... Withdrawal of application ................................................................ 50
74.......... Acceptance or refusal of application ................................................ 50
75.......... Opposition to grant of extension ...................................................... 51
76.......... Grant of extension ............................................................................ 51
76A....... Notification of extension to the Secretary, Health and Family Services 51
77.......... Calculation of term of extension ....................................................... 52
78.......... Exclusive rights of patentee are limited if extension granted ............ 52
79.......... Rights of patentee if extension granted after patent expires ............. 53
79A....... Commissioner not to make decision if court proceedings pending ... 53
Chapter 6A--Divisional applications 54
79B....... Divisional applications prior to grant of patent ............................... 54
79C....... Divisional applications for innovation patents may be made after grant of an innovation patent 54
Chapter 7--Patents of addition 56
80.......... Chapter does not apply to innovation patents ................................ 56
81.......... Grant of patent of addition ............................................................... 56
82.......... Revocation of patent and grant of patent of addition instead .......... 56
83.......... Term of patent of addition ............................................................... 57
85.......... Revocation of patent for main invention .......................................... 58
86.......... Renewal fees not payable ................................................................. 58
87.......... Fees payable where patent of addition becomes an independent patent 58
Chapter 8--PCT applications and convention applications 59
Part 1--PCT applications 59
88.......... PCT applications .............................................................................. 59
89.......... Modified application of Act [see also Table B] ............................... 59
90.......... Publication of PCT applications [see also Table B] ........................ 60
91.......... Application of certain provisions to PCT applications ................... 61
92.......... Notice of publication [see also Table B] .......................................... 61
93.......... Evidence of matters arising under PCT ............................................ 62
Part 2--Convention applications 63
94.......... Convention applicants may make Convention applications ............ 63
95.......... Manner of making Convention application ...................................... 63
96.......... Withdrawn, abandoned or refused applications .............................. 63
Chapter 9--Re‑examination of standard patents 65
96A....... Chapter does not apply to innovation patents ................................ 65
97.......... Re‑examination of complete specifications ...................................... 65
98.......... Report on re‑examination ................................................................. 66
99.......... Statement by applicant or patentee .................................................. 66
100........ Copies of report to be given to court ............................................... 66
100A..... Refusal to grant patent--re‑examination before grant ...................... 66
101........ Revocation of patent--re‑examination after grant ............................ 67
Chapter 9A--Examination, re‑examination and opposition‑innovation patents 68
Part 1--Examination of innovation patents 68
101A..... Examination may be requested or Commissioner may decide to examine 68
101B..... Examination of an innovation patent ................................................ 68
101C..... How and when examination to be carried out ................................... 69
101D..... Commissioner to be given information on searches .......................... 70
101E...... Certificate of examination ................................................................. 70
101F...... Revocation of innovation patents following examination under section 101B 71
Part 2--Re‑examination of innovation patents 72
101G..... Re‑examination of complete specifications of innovation patents ... 72
101H..... Patentee statements .......................................................................... 72
101J...... Revocation of innovation patent following re‑examination .............. 73
101K..... Relevant proceedings and re‑examination ......................................... 73
101L...... Copies of report to be given to court ............................................... 74
Part 3--Opposition to innovation patents 75
101M.... Opposition to innovation patent ...................................................... 75
101N..... Hearing and decision by the Commissioner ...................................... 75
101P...... Relevant proceedings and opposition ............................................... 76
Chapter 10--Amendments 77
Part 1--Amendments that are not allowable 77
102........ What amendments are not allowable? ............................................... 77
103........ Consent of mortgagee or exclusive licensee needed .......................... 78
Part 2--Amendments of patent requests, specifications and other filed documents 79
104........ Amendments by applicants and patentees ....................................... 79
105........ Amendments directed by court ........................................................ 80
106........ Amendments directed by Commissioner: patents ............................ 80
107........ Amendments directed by Commissioner: applications for standard patents 81
109........ Appeal .............................................................................................. 82
Part 3--Miscellaneous 83
110........ Advertisement of amendment of complete specification ................. 83
112........ Pending proceedings ......................................................................... 83
113........ Persons claiming under assignment or agreement ............................. 83
114........ Priority date of certain amended claims ............................................ 83
114A..... Objection cannot be taken to certain amended claims ...................... 84
115........ Restriction on recovery of damages etc. ........................................... 84
116........ Interpretation of amended specifications ......................................... 84
Chapter 11--Infringement 85
Part 1--Infringement and infringement proceedings 85
117........ Infringement by supply of products ................................................ 85
118........ Infringement exemptions: use in or on foreign vessels, aircraft or vehicles 85
119........ Infringement exemptions: prior use .................................................. 86
119A..... Infringement exemptions: acts for obtaining regulatory approval of pharmaceuticals 87
120........ Infringement proceedings .................................................................. 88
121........ Counter‑claim for revocation of patent ............................................ 89
121A..... Burden of proof--infringement of patent for a process ................... 89
122........ Relief for infringement of patent ...................................................... 90
123........ Innocent infringement ....................................................................... 90
Part 2--Non‑infringement declarations 92
124........ Interpretation .................................................................................... 92
125........ Application for non‑infringement declaration .................................. 92
126........ Proceedings for non‑infringement declarations ................................. 92
127........ Effect of non‑infringement declarations ............................................ 93
Part 3--Unjustified threats of infringement proceedings 94
128........ Application for relief from unjustified threats ................................. 94
129........ Court's power to grant relief if threats related to a standard patent or standard patent application 94
129A..... Threats related to an innovation patent application or innovation patent and court's power to grant relief 94
130........ Counter‑claim for infringement ......................................................... 95
131........ Notification of patent not a threat .................................................... 96
132........ Liability of legal practitioner or patent attorney .............................. 96
Chapter 12--Compulsory licences and revocation of patents 97
133........ Compulsory licences ........................................................................ 97
134........ Revocation of patent after grant of compulsory licence ................... 99
135........ Reasonable requirements of the public ............................................. 99
136........ Orders to be consistent with international agreements ................... 100
136A..... Dealing with allegation of contravention of application law .......... 100
137........ Revocation on surrender of patent ................................................. 100
138........ Revocation of patents in other circumstances ................................ 101
139........ Parties to proceedings ..................................................................... 101
140........ Commissioner to be given copies of orders .................................... 102
Chapter 13--Withdrawal and lapsing of applications and ceasing of patents 103
141........ Withdrawal of applications [see also Table B] .............................. 103
142........ Lapsing of applications [see also Table B] .................................... 103
143........ Ceasing of patents .......................................................................... 104
143A..... Ceasing of innovation patents ........................................................ 104
143B..... Payment of fees .............................................................................. 104
Chapter 14--Contracts 105
144........ Void conditions ............................................................................... 105
145........ Termination of contract after patent ceases to be in force ............. 106
146........ Effect of Chapter ............................................................................ 106
Chapter 15--Special provisions relating to associated technology 107
147........ Certificate by Director as to associated technology ....................... 107
148........ Lapsing etc. of applications ............................................................ 107
149........ Revocation of direction ................................................................... 108
150........ Restoration of lapsed application ................................................... 108
151........ Reinstatement of application as an international application ......... 109
152........ Notice of prohibitions or restrictions on publication ..................... 110
153........ Effect of order ................................................................................. 110
Chapter 16--Jurisdiction and powers of courts 112
154........ Jurisdiction of Federal Court .......................................................... 112
155........ Jurisdiction of other prescribed courts ........................................... 112
156........ Exercise of jurisdiction .................................................................... 112
157........ Transfer of proceedings .................................................................. 113
158........ Appeals .......................................................................................... 113
159........ Commissioner may appear in appeals ............................................ 113
160........ Powers of Federal Court ................................................................. 114
Chapter 17--The Crown 115
Part 1--Introductory 115
161........ Nominated persons and patentees .................................................. 115
162........ Commonwealth and State authorities ............................................. 115
Part 2--Exploitation by the Crown 116
163........ Exploitation of inventions by Crown ............................................. 116
164........ Nominated person or patentee to be informed of exploitation ....... 116
165........ Remuneration and terms for exploitation ....................................... 117
165A..... Exploitation of invention to cease under court order ...................... 117
166........ Previous agreements inoperative .................................................... 117
167........ Sale of products .............................................................................. 118
168........ Supply of products by Commonwealth to foreign countries ......... 118
169........ Declarations that inventions have been exploited ........................... 118
170........ Sale of forfeited articles .................................................................. 119
Part 3--Acquisitions by and assignments to the Crown 120
171........ Acquisition of inventions or patents by Commonwealth .............. 120
172........ Assignment of invention to Commonwealth .................................. 120
Part 4--Prohibition orders 121
173........ Prohibition of publication of information about inventions ........... 121
174........ Effect of prohibition orders ............................................................ 121
175........ Disclosure of information to Commonwealth authority ................ 122
176........ International applications treated as applications under this Act .. 122
Chapter 18--Miscellaneous offences 123
177........ False representations about the Patent Office ................................ 123
178........ False representations about patents or patented articles ............... 123
179........ Failure to comply with summons ................................................... 124
180........ Refusal to give evidence .................................................................. 124
181........ Failure to produce documents or articles ........................................ 125
182........ Officers not to traffic in inventions ................................................ 125
183........ Unauthorised disclosure of information by employees etc. ........... 125
184........ Other unauthorised disclosures of information .............................. 126
185........ Commissioner etc. not to prepare documents or search records .... 126
Chapter 19--The Register and official documents 127
186........ Register of Patents .......................................................................... 127
187........ Registration of particulars of patents etc. ...................................... 127
188........ Trusts not registrable ...................................................................... 128
189........ Power of patentee to deal with patent ........................................... 128
190........ Inspection of Register ..................................................................... 128
191........ False entries in Register .................................................................. 128
192........ Orders for rectification of Register ................................................. 129
193........ Inspection of documents ................................................................ 129
194........ Information obtainable from Commissioner ................................... 129
195........ Evidence--the Register ................................................................... 130
196........ Evidence--unregistered particulars ................................................ 130
197........ Evidence--certificate and copies of documents ............................. 130
Chapter 20--Patent Attorneys 131
Part 1--Registration, privileges and professional conduct 131
198........ Registration of patent attorneys ..................................................... 131
199........ Deregistration ................................................................................. 132
200........ Privileges ......................................................................................... 132
200A..... Designated Manager ....................................................................... 133
Part 2--Offences 134
201........ Offences: unregistered persons etc. ................................................ 134
202........ Documents prepared by legal practitioners .................................... 135
202A..... Documents prepared by a member of a partnership ...................... 136
203........ Attendance at patent attorney's office ........................................... 136
204........ Time for starting prosecutions ....................................................... 136
Chapter 21--Administration 137
205........ Patent Office and sub‑offices ......................................................... 137
206........ Patent Office seal ............................................................................ 137
207........ Commissioner of Patents ................................................................ 137
208........ Deputy Commissioner of Patents .................................................. 137
209........ Delegation of Commissioner's powers and functions .................... 138
210........ Commissioner's powers ................................................................. 138
211........ Recovery of costs awarded by Commissioner ............................... 138
Chapter 22--Miscellaneous 139
212........ Copies of examination reports to be communicated ....................... 139
213........ Making and signing applications etc. .............................................. 139
214........ Filing of documents ........................................................................ 139
215........ Death of applicant or nominated person ........................................ 139
216........ Exercise of discretionary power by Commissioner ........................ 140
217........ Assessors ........................................................................................ 140
218........ Costs where patent invalid in part ................................................. 140
219........ Security for costs ............................................................................ 140
220........ Costs of attendance of patent attorney .......................................... 140
221........ Service of documents ...................................................................... 141
222........ Publication of Official Journal etc. ................................................. 141
222A..... Doing act when Patent Office reopens after end of period otherwise provided for doing act 141
223........ Extensions of time [see also Table B] ............................................ 142
224........ Review of decisions ........................................................................ 144
225........ Conduct of employees and agents of natural persons .................... 145
226........ Reproduction of published specifications does not infringe copyright 146
227........ Fees ................................................................................................. 146
227A..... Professional Standards Board for Patent and Trade Marks Attorneys 147
228........ Regulations ..................................................................................... 149
229........ Consequential amendments ............................................................ 153
230........ Repeal ............................................................................................. 153
Chapter 23--Transitional and savings provisions 154
231........ Application of Part III of 1989 Amending Act .............................. 154
233........ Patents granted under 1952 Act ..................................................... 154
234........ Applications under 1952 Act ......................................................... 154
235........ Other applications and proceedings under 1952 Act ..................... 155
236........ Micro‑organisms ............................................................................. 156
237........ Orders, directions etc. under 1952 Act .......................................... 156
238........ The Commissioner and Deputy Commissioner ............................. 156
239........ The Register of Patents and Register of Patent Attorneys ............ 156
240........ Registered patent attorneys ............................................................ 156
Schedule 1--Dictionary 157
Schedule 2--Consequential Amendments 167
Notes 169
An Act relating to patents of inventions
Note 1 The Patents Act 1990 as shown in this compilation
comprises Act No. 83, 1990 amended as indicated in the Tables below. For application, saving or transitional provisions made by the
Corporations (Repeals, Consequentials and Transitionals) Act 2001, see
Act No. 55, 2001. All relevant information pertaining to application, saving or
transitional provisions prior to 27 July 1998 is not included in this
compilation. For subsequent information see Table A. The Patents Act 1990 was modified by the Patents
Regulations 1991 (1991 No. 71 as amended by 1995 No. 16; 1999 No. 261;
2001 No. 98; 2003 No. 316; 2004 Nos. 193 and 395) see
Table B. Table of Acts
|
Act |
Number |
Date |
Date of commencement |
Application, saving or transitional provisions |
|
83, 1990 |
30 Oct 1990 |
30 Apr 1991 |
|
|
|
Industry, Technology and Commerce Legislation Amendment Act 1991 |
66, 1991 |
15 June 1991 |
S. 26: (a) |
-- |
|
Industry, Technology and Regional Development Legislation Amendment Act 1994 |
58, 1994 |
9 Apr 1994 |
29 June 1994 (see Gazette 1994, No. S211) |
-- |
|
Industry, Science and Technology Legislation Amendment Act 1994 |
108, 1994 |
12 July 1994 |
Div. 2 of Part 2 (ss. 4-6): 9 Aug 1994 |
-- |
|
154, 1994 |
13 Dec 1994 |
|||
|
100, 1998 |
27 July 1998 |
Schedules 1 and 2: 27 Jan 1999 |
Sch. 1 (item 8), |
|
|
Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999 |
146, 1999 |
11 Nov 1999 |
Schedule 1 (items 728-730): 5 Dec 1999 (see Gazette 1999, No. S584) (b) |
-- |
|
140, 2000 |
24 Nov 2000 |
24 May 2001 |
Sch. 2 (am. by 99, 2001, Sch. 2) [see Table A] |
|
|
as amended by |
|
|
|
|
|
99, 2001 |
22 Aug 2001 |
Schedule 2: (c) |
-- |
|
|
48, 2003 |
26 June 2003 |
Schedule 2 (item 8): (ca) |
-- |
|
|
Corporations (Repeals, Consequentials and Transitionals) Act 2001 |
55, 2001 |
28 June 2001 |
Ss. 4-14 and Schedule 3 (item 401): 15 July 2001 (see Gazette 2001, No. S285) (d) |
|
|
Industry, Science and Resources Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 |
140, 2001 |
1 Oct 2001 |
2 Oct 2001 |
S. 4 [see Table A] |
|
160, 2001 |
1 Oct 2001 |
Schedule 1: 1 Apr 2002 |
Sch. 1 (items 13, 32, 33) [see Table A] |
|
|
48, 2003 |
26 June 2003 |
Schedule 1 (item 2): 24 July 2003 |
Sch. 2 (item 5) [see Table A] |
|
|
120, 2004 |
16 Aug 2004 |
Schedule 8: Royal Assent |
Sch. 8 (item 3) [see Table A] |
|
|
100, 2005 |
6 July 2005 |
Schedule 1 (items 31-37): (f) |
-- |
|
|
106, 2006 |
27 Sept 2006 |
Schedules 5, 6, 8 and 9: 28 Sept 2006 |
Sch. 5 (item 2), Sch. 6 (item 2), Sch. 7 (item 4), Sch. 8 (item 9), Sch. 9 (item 2) and Sch. 10 (item 3) [see Table A] |
(a) Subsection 2(4) of the Industry, Technology and Commerce Legislation Amendment Act 1991 provides as follows:
(4) The amendments of the Patents Act 1990 are taken to commence, or to have commenced, immediately after the commencement of the Patents Act 1990.
(b) The Patents Act 1990 was amended by Schedule 1 (items 728-730) only of the Public Employment (Consequential and Transitional) Amendment Act 1999, subsections 2(1) and (2) of which provide as follows:
(1) In this Act, commencing time means the time when the Public Service Act 1999 commences.
(2) Subject to this section, this Act commences at the commencing time.
(c) The Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 was amended by Schedule 2 only of the Trade Marks and Other Legislation Amendment Act 2001, subsection 2(3) of which provides as follows:
(3) Schedule 2 commences, or is taken to have commenced, immediately after the commencement of the Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000.
The Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 came into operation on 24 May 2001.
(ca) Subsection 2(1) (item 5) of the Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2003 provides as follows:
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, on the day or at the time specified in column 2 of the table.
|
Commencement information |
||
|
Column 1 |
Column 2 |
Column 3 |
|
Provision(s) |
Commencement |
Date/Details |
|
5. Schedule 2, Part 3 |
Immediately after the time specified in the Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 for the commencement of item 3 of Schedule 1 to that Act |
24 May 2001 |
(d) The Patents Act 1990 was amended by Schedule 3 (item 401) only of the Corporations (Repeals, Consequentials and Transitionals) Act 2001, subsection 2(3) of which provides as follows:
(3) Subject to subsections (4) to (10), Schedule 3 commences, or is taken to have commenced, at the same time as the Corporations Act 2001.
(e) Subsection 2(4) of the Patents Amendment Act 2001 provides as follows:
(4) Schedule 2 is taken to have commenced immediately after the commencement of the Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000.
The Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 came into operation on 24 May 2001.
(f) Subsection 2(1) (item 20) of the Statute Law Revision Act 2005 provides as follows:
(1) Each provision of this Act specified in column 1 of the table commences, or is taken to have commenced, in accordance with column 2 of the table. Any other statement in column 2 has effect according to its terms.
|
Provision(s) |
Commencement |
Date/Details |
|
20. Schedule 1, items 31 to 37 |
Immediately after the commencement of the Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000. |
24 May 2001 |
Table of Amendments
|
ad. = added or inserted am. = amended rep. = repealed rs. = repealed and substituted |
|
|
Provision affected |
How affected |
|
Chapter 1 |
|
|
am. Nos. 108 and 154, 1994; No. 100, 1998; No. 140, 2000; No. 48, 2003 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
Subheads. to s. 7(1), (2).... |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001 |
|
|
ad. No. 140, 2001 |
|
|
Chapter 2 |
|
|
Part 3 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
Subhead. to s. 18(1)........... |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 3 |
|
|
Part 1 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
S. 39.................................... |
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 106, 2006 |
|
|
Division 3 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Part 2 |
|
|
Heading to Part 2 ................ |
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Division 1 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001; No. 48, 2003 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001 |
|
|
Part 3 |
|
|
Division 1 |
|
|
Heading to Div. 1 of
Part 3.. |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Division 2 |
|
|
Heading to Div. 2 of Part 3.. |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 4 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 66, 1991 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 5 |
|
|
Heading to Chapt. 5............. |
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 120, 2004 |
|
|
Chapter 6 |
|
|
Part 1 |
|
|
S. 61 ................................... |
am. No. 160, 2001 |
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Part 2 |
|
|
am. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Part 3 |
|
|
Heading to Part 3 ................ |
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Heading to Div. 1 of Part 3.. |
rep. No. 154,
1994 |
|
|
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Div. 1 of Part 3 of Chapt. 6.. |
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
S. 69.................................... |
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Heading to Div. 2 of Part 3.. |
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Div. 2 of Part 3 of Chapt. 6.. |
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 2005 |
|
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 106, 2006 |
|
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
|
|
|
Chapter 6A |
|
|
Chapt. 6A............................ |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
|
am. No. 106, 2006 |
|
Chapter 7 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 154, 1994 |
|
|
|
rs. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 2005 |
|
S. 84.................................... |
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
Chapter 8 |
|
|
Part 1 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 9 |
|
|
Heading to Chapt. 9 ............ |
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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|
am. No. 66, 1991; No. 160, 2001 |
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am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001 |
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am. No. 140, 2000 |
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am. No. 66, 1991 |
|
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S. 100A .............................. |
ad. No. 160, 2001 |
|
Heading to s. 101 ............... |
rs. No. 160, 2001 |
|
am. No. 66, 1991 |
|
|
Chapter 9A |
|
|
Chapt. 9A............................ |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Part 1 |
|
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
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ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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am. No. 160, 2001 |
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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rs. No. 160, 2001; No. 48, 2003 |
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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am. No. 160, 2001 |
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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Part 2 |
|
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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|
am. No. 160, 2001 |
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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Part 3 |
|
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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|
Chapter 10 |
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Part 1 |
|
|
Subhead. to s. 102(1)......... |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001 |
|
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Part 2 |
|
|
am. No. 120, 2004 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Heading to s. 107................ |
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
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S. 108.................................. |
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
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Part 3 |
|
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S. 111.................................. |
rep. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
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ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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|
Chapter 11 |
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Part 1 |
|
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S. 119 ................................. |
am. No. 160, 2001 |
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rs. No. 106, 2006 |
|
S. 119A .............................. |
ad. No. 106, 2006 |
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am. No. 140, 2000 |
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ad. No. 154, 1994 |
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am. No. 106, 2006 |
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Part 2 |
|
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am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Part 3 |
|
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rs. No. 140, 2000 |
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ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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am. No. 140, 2000 |
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Notes to s. 130(3), (4)........ |
ad. No. 140, 2000 |
|
Chapter 12 |
|
|
am. No. 154, 1994; No. 140, 2000; No. 106, 2006 |
|
|
Heading to s. 134................ |
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 106, 2006 |
|
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ad. No. 106, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 120, 2004 |
|
|
Chapter 13 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001 |
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ad. No. 140, 2000 |
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|
am. No. 160, 2001 |
|
S. 143B .............................. |
ad. No. 160, 2001 |
|
Chapter 14 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 15 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
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am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 17 |
|
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Part 2 |
|
|
am. No. 154, 1994 |
|
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am. No. 154, 1994 |
|
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ad. No. 154, 1994 |
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|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
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Part 4 |
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am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Chapter 18 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2001 |
|
|
rs. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
Chapter 19 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
rs. No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2001 |
|
|
Chapter 20 |
|
|
Part 1 |
|
|
rs. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998 |
|
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ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
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rs. No. 146, 1999 |
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Part 2 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998; No. 55, 2001 |
|
|
ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998; No. 140, 2000 |
|
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Chapter 21 |
|
|
am. No. 58, 1994 |
|
|
Chapter 22 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998 |
|
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ad. No. 106, 2006 |
|
|
am. No. 66, 1991; No. 154, 1994; No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001; No. 48, 2003 |
|
|
am. No. 100, 1998; No. 140, 2000 |
|
|
Heading to s. 225................ |
rs. No. 140, 2001 |
|
am. No. 140, 2001 |
|
|
Note to s. 225...................... |
ad. No. 140, 2001 |
|
am. No. 100, 1998; No. 140, 2000 |
|
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ad. No. 100, 1998 |
|
|
am. No. 140, 2000 |
|
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Chapter 23 |
|
|
S. 232.................................. |
rep. No. 154, 1994 |
|
am. No. 66, 1991 |
|
|
Schedule 1 |
|
|
Schedule 1.......................... |
am. No. 66, 1991; Nos. 58, 108 and 154, 1994; No. 100, 1998; No. 146, 1999; No. 140, 2000; No. 160, 2001; No. 48, 2003; No. 106, 2006 |
Table A
Application, saving or transitional provisions
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 1998 (No. 100, 1998)
Schedule 1
8 Application of amendments
The amendments made by this Schedule apply to:
(a) standard patents granted on or after the commencement of this item; and
(b) standard patents granted before the commencement of this item (other than a standard patent granted for a term of 16 years and whose term at the time of the grant was due to end before 1 July 1995).
Schedule 2
31 Transitional--Register of Patent Attorneys
After the commencement of this item, the Register of Patent Attorneys kept under section 198 of the Patents Act 1990 (as in force immediately before that commencement) is taken to form part of the Register of Patent Attorneys kept under section 198 of that Act as amended by this Schedule.
32 Transitional--registered patent attorneys
(1) This item applies to a person who was, immediately before the commencement of this item, a registered patent attorney within the meaning of the Patents Act 1990.
(2) The Patents Act 1990 has effect, after the commencement of this item, in relation to the person, as if the person had been registered as a patent attorney under section 198 of the Patents Act 1990 as amended by this Schedule.
Schedule 3
4 Application
Section 227 of the Patents Act 1990 as amended by item 3 of this Schedule applies only in relation to a fee payable under that Act in respect of the doing of an act or the filing of a document that is to occur on or after the commencement of that item.
Patents Amendment (Innovation Patents) Act 2000 (No. 140, 2000)
Schedule 2
1 Definitions
In this Schedule:
commencement day means the day this Act commences.
new law means the Patents Act 1990 as amended by this Act.
old law means the Patents Act 1990, and the regulations made under it, in force immediately before this Act commences.
petty patent means letters patent for an invention granted under section 62 of the old law.
2 Saving and application provisions relating to old law
(1) Despite the amendments and repeals made by this Act, the old law continues to apply, with the exceptions set out in the following subitems, to:
(a) petty patents in force immediately before the commencement day; and
(b) petty patents the term of which has expired before the commencement day; and
(c) applications for petty patents made before the commencement day but not decided upon by the Commissioner before that day; and
(d) petty patents granted on or after the commencement day on applications for a patent made before the commencement day.
The old law continues to apply as if those amendments and repeals had not been made.
Exception--fees payable in respect of petty patents after the commencement day
(2) The amendments made by items 89 and 90 of Schedule 1 are incorporated into the old law in relation to fees payable in respect of petty patents on or after the commencement day.
Exception--under subsection 33(2) of the old law only innovation patents may be granted
(3) Despite subsection 33(2) of the old law providing that the Commissioner may grant a person who applies for a petty patent if the matters listed in paragraphs 33(2)(a), (b) and (c) are satisfied, the Commissioner, on or after the commencement day, may only grant the person an innovation patent.
Exception--under sections 34, 35 and 36 of the old law only innovation patents or standard patents may be granted
(4) Despite section 34, 35 and 36 of the old law providing that the Commissioner may grant a person a patent, the Commissioner, on or after the commencement day, may only grant a person an innovation patent or a standard patent.
Note: Under the old law, patent means a standard patent or a petty patent. This subitem overrides that meaning for grants of patent that the Commissioner makes on or after the commencement day.
Exception--divisional applications made after commencement day
(5) Despite subsection 39(1) of the old law providing that a further complete application may be made for a standard patent or a petty patent, on or after the commencement day a further complete application may only be made, as provided for in that subsection, for a standard patent or an innovation patent.
(6) Despite subsection 39(2) of the old law providing that a patentee of a petty patent may make a further complete application for a petty patent, on or after the commencement day a further complete application may only be made as provided for in that subsection for an innovation patent.
3 Transitional--applications for petty patents made before the commencement day may be converted to innovation patents or standard patents
(1) If, before the commencement day:
(a) a person files a complete application in respect of a petty patent; and
(b) a patent has not been accepted in respect of that application;
then, after that day, the person may convert the application, as provided for under subsection 104(2) of the old law.
(2) However, despite subsection 104(2) of the old law providing that the application may be for a standard patent or a petty patent, an application may only be made for a standard patent or an innovation patent.
4 Transitional--Register of Patents
Despite the continuation of section 186 of the old law by subitem 2(1):
(a) entries on the Register of Patents immediately before the commencement day relating to petty patents are included, after that day, in the Register in the part dealing with standard patents; and
(b) after that day, entries relating to petty patents are to be entered in the Register in the part dealing with standard patents.
Note: Section 186 of the new law provides for the Register of Patents to have 2 parts: one dealing with entries relating to standard patents and the other dealing with entries relating to innovation patents.
5 Continuity of Register of Patents not affected
To avoid doubt, the continuity of the Register of Patents and the entries on it, are unaffected by the amendments made by this Act.
6 Other transitional matters relating to innovation patents and petty patents may be provided for in the regulations
The Governor‑General may make regulations, not inconsistent with this Act or the new law, prescribing other transitional matters, apart from transitional matters provided for in this Schedule, that are necessary or convenient for carrying out or giving effect to:
(a) the introduction of the innovation patent scheme; and
(b) the limited continuation of the petty patent scheme as provided for in this Schedule.
7 Application
(1) The amendments made by items 86, 87, 89 and 90 of Schedule 1 do not apply in relation to fees that were due and payable before the day on which this Act commences.
(2) The amendments made by items 86, 87, 89 and 90 of Schedule 1 do not apply in relation to fees paid before the day on which this Act commences (even if they were not due until that day or a later day).
8 Saving of regulations for subsection 223(9)
(1) Regulations in force for the purposes of subsection 223(9) of the Patents Act 1990 immediately before the day on which this Act commences continue to have effect on and after that day as if they had been made for the purposes of that subsection as amended by this Schedule.
(2) Subitem 1 does not prevent the repeal or amendment of regulations continued by that subitem.
Industry, Science and Resources Legislation Amendment (Application of Criminal Code) Act 2001 (No. 140, 2001)
(1) Each amendment made by this Act applies to acts and omissions that take place after the amendment commences.
(2) For the purposes of this section, if an act or omission is alleged to have taken place between 2 dates, one before and one on or after the day on which a particular amendment commences, the act or omission is alleged to have taken place before the amendment commences.
Patents Amendment Act 2001 (No. 160, 2001)
Schedule 1
13 Application
The amendments made by this Part apply in relation to:
(a) patents for which the complete application is made on or after the day on which this Schedule commences; and
(b) the making of complete applications for patents on or after the day on which this Schedule commences.
32 Application
(1) The amendments made by items 14 and 24 of this Schedule apply in relation to an application if the patent request and complete specification in relation to that application has not been accepted under subsection 49(1) of the Patents Act 1990 before the commencement of this Schedule.
(2) The amendment made by item 15 of this Schedule applies in relation to the acceptance of a patent request and complete specification under subsection 49(1) of the Patents Act 1990 on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
(3) The amendments made by items 16, 17 and 18 of this Schedule apply in relation to the grant of a patent on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
(4) The amendment made by item 19 of this Schedule applies in relation to a patent unless the Commissioner has started examination of the patent under section 101B of the Patents Act 1990 before the commencement of this Schedule.
(5) The amendments made by items 20, 21 and 25 of this Schedule apply in relation to decisions of the Commissioner made under section 101E of the Patents Act 1990 on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
(6) The amendment made by item 23 of this Schedule applies in relation to a patent if the date of the patent is the date on which this Schedule commences or a later date.
(7) The amendments made by items 27, 28, 29, 30 and 31 of this Schedule apply in relation to applications made under section 223 of the Patents Act 1990 on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
33 Saving of regulations
(1) Regulations in force for the purposes of a provision of the Patents Act 1990 immediately before the day on which this Schedule commences continue to have effect on and after that day as if they had been made for the purposes of that provision as amended by this Schedule.
(2) Subitem (1) does not prevent the repeal or amendment of regulations continued by that subitem.
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2003 (No. 48, 2003)
Schedule 2
5 Application
(1) The amendment made by item 2 of this Schedule applies in relation to an application if the patent request and complete specification in relation to that application had not been accepted under subsection 49(1) of the Patents Act 1990 before 1 April 2002.
(2) The amendment made by item 3 of this Schedule applies in relation to an innovation patent unless the Commissioner had started examination of the patent under section 101B of the Patents Act 1990 before 1 April 2002.
(3) For the purposes of subitem (1), information given before commencement under old subsection 45(3) is taken to be information given under new subsection 45(3).
(4) For the purposes of subitem (2), information given before commencement under old section 101D is taken to be information given under new section 101D.
(5) In this item:
commencement means the time of commencement of Part 1 of this Schedule.
new section 101D means section 101D of the Patents Act 1990 as in force immediately after commencement.
new subsection 45(3) means subsection 45(3) of the Patents Act 1990 as in force immediately after commencement.
old section 101D means section 101D of the Patents Act 1990 as in force immediately before commencement.
old subsection 45(3) means subsection 45(3) of the Patents Act 1990 as in force immediately before commencement.
US Free Trade Agreement Implementation Act 2004 (No. 120, 2004)
Schedule 8
3 Application of amendments of section 59 of the Patents Act 1990
The amendments of section 59 of the Patents Act 1990 made by this Schedule apply in relation to each patent application for a standard patent:
(a) made after the commencement of this Schedule; or
(b) made before the commencement of this Schedule, but for which a patent has not been granted by the commencement of this Schedule.
Intellectual Property Laws Amendment Act 2006 (No. 106, 2006)
Schedule 5
2 Application
The amendment of section 122 of the Patents Act 1990 made by this Schedule applies to infringements of patents occurring on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
Schedule 6
2 Application
The amendment of the Patents Act 1990 made by this Schedule applies in relation to patents granted as a result of applications filed on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
Schedule 7
4 Application
The amendments of the Patents Act 1990 made by this Schedule apply in relation to the exploitation, at or after the time this Schedule commences, of inventions claimed in patents in force at or after that time.
Schedule 8
9 Application and saving provisions
(1) The amendments of the Patents Act 1990 made by this Schedule apply in relation to conduct (including omissions) that:
(a) occurs after the commencement of this Schedule; and
(b) is connected with a patent granted before, on or after that commencement.
(2) To avoid doubt, proceedings started in a prescribed court under section 133 or 134 of the Patents Act 1990 but not concluded before the commencement of this Schedule may be continued in the court after that commencement as if the amendments of that Act by this Schedule had not been made.
Schedule 9
2 Application
The amendment of paragraph 40(2)(c) of the Patents Act 1990 made by this Schedule applies to complete specifications relating to applications for innovation patents filed before, on or after the commencement of this Schedule.
Schedule 10
3 Application
The amendments made by this Schedule apply to the making of a complete application on or after the commencement of this Schedule, whether the first patent concerned was granted before, on or after that commencement.
Table B
Modifications
8.3 Modification of Act to apply to PCT applications
(1) For paragraph 228 (2) (t) of the Act, the Act is modified under this regulation for PCT applications that are treated as patent applications under the Act.
(1AA) Subsection 45 (1):
omit
Where
insert
Subject to subsection (1AC), where
(1AB) After subsection 45 (1):
insert
(1AA) Where:
(a) an applicant asks for an examination of a patent request and complete specification relating to a PCT application; and
(b) the applicant demanded an international preliminary examination under Article 31 of the PCT before complying with the requirements of subsection 89 (3); and
(c) at least 3 months after the applicant complied with the requirements of subsection 89 (3), the Commissioner asks for a copy of the international preliminary examination report from the International Bureau; and
(d) the International Bureau advises that the international preliminary examination report is not available;
the Commissioner may report on these matters and ask the applicant to provide a copy of the international preliminary examination report, or to advise that no amendments were made under Article 34 of the PCT, or to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT.
(1AB) Where:
(a) an applicant asks for an examination of a patent request and complete specification relating to a PCT application; and
(b) subsection (1AA) does not apply; and
(c) the applicant asks for the examination to be expedited under subregulation 3.17 (2) of the Patents Regulations 1991; and
(d) a copy of an international preliminary examination report relating to the application has not been provided to the Commissioner;
the Commissioner may report on these matters and ask the applicant to provide a copy of the international preliminary examination report, or to advise that no amendments were made under Article 34 of the PCT, or to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT.
(1AC) If subsection (1AA) or (1AB) applies, the Commissioner is not required to perform his or her functions under subsection (1) unless:
(a) a copy of the international preliminary examination report is provided to the Commissioner; or
(b) the applicant:
(i) advises that:
(A) no demand was made under Article 31 of the PCT; or
(B) no amendments were made under Article 34 of the PCT; or
(C) the demand was made under Article 31 of the PCT, or the international preliminary examination report was established, after the applicant complied with the requirements of subsection 89 (3); or
(ii) elects to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT.
Note Under subsection 89 (7) of the Act, as modified by the Patents Regulations 1991, if the applicant provides the advice, or makes the election, mentioned in paragraph (1AC) (b), any amendments made under Article 34 of the PCT are not taken to be included in the application.
(1AC) After subsection 45 (5):
insert
(6) In this section:
International Bureau means the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
international preliminary examination report has the same meaning as it has in the PCT.
(1AD) Subsection 48 (1):
omit
When
insert
Subject to subsection (1AC), when
(1AE) After subsection 48 (1):
insert
(1AA) Where:
(a) an applicant asks for a modified examination of a patent request and complete specification relating to a PCT application; and
(b) the applicant demanded an international preliminary examination under Article 31 of the PCT before complying with the requirements of subsection 89 (3); and
(c) at least 3 months after the applicant complied with the requirements of subsection 89 (3), the Commissioner asks for a copy of the international preliminary examination report from the International Bureau; and
(d) the International Bureau advises that the international preliminary examination report is not available;
the Commissioner may report on these matters and ask the applicant to provide a copy of the international preliminary examination report, or to advise that no amendments were made under Article 34 of the PCT, or to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT.
(1AB) Where:
(a) an applicant asks for a modified examination of a patent request and complete specification relating to a PCT application; and
(b) subsection (1AA) does not apply; and
(c) the applicant asks for the examination to be expedited under subregulation 3.17 (2) of the Patents Regulations 1991; and
(d) a copy of an international preliminary examination report relating to the application has not been provided to the Commissioner;
the Commissioner may report on these matters and ask the applicant to provide a copy of the international preliminary examination report, or to advise that no amendments were made under Article 34 of the PCT, or to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT.
(1AC) If subsection (1AA) or (1AB) applies, the Commissioner is not required to perform his or her functions under subsection (1) unless:
(a) a copy of the international preliminary examination report is provided to the Commissioner; or
(b) the applicant:
(i) advises the Commissioner that:
(A) no demand was made under Article 31 of the PCT; or
(B) no amendments were made under Article 34 of the PCT; or
(C) the demand was made under Article 31 of the PCT, or the international preliminary examination report was established, after the applicant complied with the requirements of subsection 89 (3); or
(ii) elects to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT.
Note Under subsection 89 (7) of the Act, as modified by the Patents Regulations 1991, if the applicant provides the advice, or makes the election, mentioned in paragraph (1AC) (b), any amendments made under Article 34 of the PCT are not taken to be included in the application.
(1AF) After subsection 48 (2):
insert
(3) In this section:
International Bureau means the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
international preliminary examination report has the same meaning as it has in the PCT.
(1A) Section 53:
omit
Where
insert
(1) Where
(1B) Section 53:
insert
(2) For a PCT application, the prescribed information is taken to have been published under subsection (1) when the application is published by the International Bureau of the World Intellectual Property Organization.
(1BA) Paragraph 89 (5) (a):
omit
PCT;
insert
PCT before the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (3);
(1BB) Paragraph 89 (5) (b):
omit
(1BC) Paragraph 89 (5) (c):
omit
Schedule 1;
insert
Schedule 1 before the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (3);
(1BD) After subsection 89 (5):
insert
(6) Subject to subsection (7), where:
(a) a PCT application in respect of which Australia has been elected under Chapter II of the PCT has been amended under Article 34 of the PCT; and
(b) an international preliminary examination report is established before the applicant meets the requirements of subsection (3);
the description, drawings and claims contained in the application are, for the purposes of this Act, to be taken to have been amended on the day on which the amendment was made.
(7) Subsection (6) does not apply if:
(a) the Commissioner has reported under subsection 45 (1AA) or (1AB), or 48 (1AA) or (1AB), or under regulations made for the purpose of section 104, in relation to an application; and
(b) the applicant elects under subparagraph 45 (1AC) (b) (ii) or 48 (1AC) (b) (ii), or under regulations made for the purpose of section 104, to abandon any amendments that may have been made under Article 34 of the PCT, or provides the advice mentioned in subparagraph 45 (1AC) (b) (i) or 48 (1AC) (b) (i) or in regulations made for the purpose of section 104.
(1C) Paragraph 90 (a):
omit
subsection 92 (1) or (2)
insert
subsection 92 (2)
(1D) Paragraph 90 (b):
substitute
(b) where subsection 92 (3) applies -- on the day on which the application is published under Article 21 of the PCT.
(1E) Section 92:
substitute
92 Notice of publication
(1) Subsection (2) applies to a PCT application:
(a) that has not lapsed, or been withdrawn or refused; and
(b) that is to be treated as an application for a standard patent under this Act; and
(c) for which the applicant complies with subsection 89 (3) before the end of 18 months after the priority date of the application.
(2) The Commissioner must publish a notice in the Official Journal stating that the PCT application is open to public inspection:
(a) if the applicant asks the Commissioner in writing to publish the notice; or
(b) in any case -- as soon as practicable after the end of 18 months after the priority date of the application.
(3) If:
(a) the applicant does not comply with subsection 89 (3) within 18 months after the priority date of a PCT application; and
(b) the application is published under Article 21 of the PCT;
the application is open to public inspection.
(4) If a PCT application is open to public inspection, any other prescribed documents are also open to public inspection.
(5) In this section:
priority date, for an international application, has the same meaning as in the PCT.
(2) Section 141:
omit the section, substitute:
'141 Withdrawal of applications
(1) Subject to subsection (3), a patent application may be withdrawn at any time except during a period prescribed for the purposes of this section.
(2) A patent application is to be treated as having been withdrawn if, and only if, the applicant lodges a written notice of withdrawal signed by the applicant.
(3) A PCT application is to be treated as having been withdrawn if Article 11 (3) of the PCT ceases to have effect in Australia in relation to the application under Article 24 (1) (i) of the PCT.'.
(3) Subsection 142 (2):
Add at the end:
'; or (f) Article 11 (3) of the PCT ceases to have effect in Australia in relation to the application under Article 24 (1) (ii) or (iii) or Article 39 (2) of the PCT'.
(4) Section 223:
After subsection (1) insert:
'(1A) If, because of an error or omission by the receiving Office or the International Bureau, a relevant act that is required to be done within a certain time is not, or cannot be, done within that time, the Commissioner must extend the time for doing the act.'.