Increase flexibility in managing s75 (extension of term for pharmaceutical patents) oppositions

Issue summary

This proposal would re-categorise oppositions to the extension of term of pharmaceutical patents under section 75 of the Patents Act as procedural, rather than substantive, oppositions. This will allow for efficient and flexible management of evidentiary periods by direction, and ensure that such oppositions are dealt with expeditiously, minimising uncertainty regarding the expiry date of high value patents.

History

On hold 8 August 2019

Comments

Issue to be considered in future. Other matters of higher priority will be considered first.