Directions
The Patents Act 1977 allows us to give directions in some areas, so that we can react quickly to change. These include:
- times and days we open for business done under the Patents Act, directed under section 120 of that Act
- patents forms, directed under section 123(2A) of the Patents Act.
- requirements for electronic communications and the format and delivery of electronic documents, directed under section 124A of the Patents Act.
We can direct other things but these are usually in the context of a particular patent or application.
Electronic communications
- Requests for electronic uncertified copies of documents from the patent files to be provided by email or on compact disk
- Requests for electronic uncertified copies of documents from the patent files to be viewed, downloaded or printed online
- Filing documents relating to pending patent applications by electronic means
- Filing patent applications by electronic means
- Withdrawal of patent applications by email
- Requesting an extension of time by e-mail
- Submitting observations concerning the patentability of an invention
- Submitting post-grant amendments by e-mail
- Submitting opinion observations by e-mail