India was in a complete lockdown from 25th March 2020 to 3rd May, 2020 (lockdowns 1 and 2) and Indian patent Office was closed until 3rd May 2020. In order to curtail the spread of COVID-19, the Indian Government on 1st May, 2020 decided to extend the nation-wide lockdown (lockdown-3) until 17th May 2020.

In view of the recent lockdown-3, IPO has issued a notification on 4th May 2020, according to which all deadlines and timelines prescribed under the IP Acts and Rules that fall due during the period of lockdown will automatically get extended to the date on lockdown -3 ends i.e. 18th May, 2020.

It may also be noted that, the Indian Patent office (IPO) by the order of Ministry of Home Affairs dated 15th April, 2020, started functioning from 20th April, 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.