Improve customers behaviours to prevent a response to IPA's first reports after 11 months

Issue summary

Examination responses to patent examiners’ first reports are frequently filed within only a short time period until the 12-month due date.

Under this issue, an alert to file an exam response could be implemented. This can provide the benefit to applicants of alleviating the need to make a request for an extension of time.

History

• Completed 20-Nov-2019

Comments

IP Australia has implemented a notification service to private applicants and small attorney firms that a response is required.

For standard patents, a reminder letter is sent out at 8 months from date of first report. If no response received, another reminder letter is sent out 2 months later (at 10 months from date of first report). For innovation patents, a reminder letter is sent out at 2 and 4 months from date of first report.

Related to ID 76.