Indian Patent Office (IPO) by the order of Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15th April, 2020, started functioning from April 20, 2020 with full staff of the rank of Deputy Controller and above and one-third staff strength up to rank of Assistant Controller on all workings days. The Patent Office during this period, is issuing first examination reports, foreign filing licenses, orders in relation to pending applications, etc

However, in view of the ongoing lockdown in the country, IPO shall not be accessible to public (in person) until 3rd May, 2020.

Accordingly, all deadlines and timelines prescribed under the IP Acts and Rules that fall during the lockdown period have been automatically extended to the date on which offices re-open i.e. 4th May, 2020.