In view of the advisory issued by Ministry of Health & Family Welfare, Govt. of India and concerns raised by Stakeholders regarding COVID-19 outbreak, the Indian Patent Office has notified that all in person hearings in Patents and Designs matters scheduled on or before 15th April, 2020 will be done through Video Conferencing (VC). Wherever the applicant is unable to agree for the VC hearing, the Controller will adjourn such hearing for a date later than 15th April 2020.

Further, regarding condonation of delay, extension of timelines to file responses and Other timelines, the patent office has clarified that such delay in transmitting or resubmitting documents to the Patent Office will be condoned/timeline be extended by the Controller on a petition for such condonation of delay/extension of time made not later than one month from the date when such COVID.19 outbreak ceased to exist [ as per sub-rule (6) of Rule 6 of the Patents Rules].