Patents Regulations (Amendment)

Legislation au C2004L05733 Regulations Not in force Legislative Instrument

Legislation content

Statutory Rules

1980 No. 320

REGULATIONS UNDER THE PATENTS ACT 19521

I, THE GOVERNOR-GENERAL of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting with the advice of the Federal Executive Council, hereby make the following Regulations under the Patents Act 952.

Dated this twenty-ninth day of October 1980.

ZELMAN COWEN

Governor-General

By His Excellency’s Command,

KEVIN NEWMAN

Minister of State for Productivity

–––––––––––––

AMENDMENT OF THE PATENTS REGULATIONS2

Commencement

1. These Regulations shall come into operation on 1 November 1980.

Second Schedule

2 The Second Schedule to the Patents Regulations is amended by omitting Part I and substituting the following Part:

PART I—GENERAL FEES

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Item

Matter

Fee

 

1

 

On lodging an application for a patent accompanied by a provisional specification             

$

10.00

2

On lodging an application for a petty patent......

45.00

3

On lodging a complete specification (with or after the lodgment of an application)             

45.00

 

together with

(a) if the number of sheets comprising the specification, including any drawings contained in the specifications, exceeds 10—for             

2.00

 

(b) if the number of claims exceeds 10—for each claim in excess of 10             

4.00


Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Item

Matter

Fee

 

4

 

On lodging a request for examination of an application—

$

 

(a) where the request was not preceded by a direction of the Commissioner under section 47a or 47b of the Act—

 

(i) in the case of a request for an examination to be made in accordance with section 48 of the Act             

130.00

(ii) in the case of a request for a modified examination....

100.00

(b) where the request was preceded by a direction of the Commissioner under section 47a or 47b of the Act (whether or not the applicant had, before the request was made, requested the deferment of the examination under section 52B of the Act)—

 

(i) in the case of a request for an examination to be made in accordance with section 48 of the Act             

100.00

(ii) in the case of a request for a modified examination....

70.00

5

On lodging a notice under section 47b of the Act requiring the Commissioner to direct an applicant to request examination             

60.00

6

Continuation fee for the purposes of section 47d of the Act, calculated by reference to year after the lodgment of the complete specification in respect of the application to which the fee relates—

 

 

(a) the second year...................................

25.00

(b) the third year....................................

35.00

(c) the fourth year...................................

45.00

(d) the fifth year.....................................

55.00

(e) the sixth year....................................

65.00

(f) the seventh year...................................

75.00

(g) the eighth year...................................

85.00

(h) the ninth year....................................

95.00

(i) the tenth year....................................

105.00

(j) the eleventh year..................................

115.00

(k) the twelfth year...................................

125.00

(1) the thirteenth year.................................

135.00

(m) the fourteenth year................................

145.00

(n) the fifteenth year..................................

155.00

7

On lodging an application to restore an application that has lapsed or a patent that has ceased 

50.00

8

For restoring a lapsed application or ceased patent.....................

100.00

9

On lodging a notice of opposition under section 47e, 59, 82,95,97 or 160 of the Act or regulation 16F, 43, 51, 77 or 81a             

40.00

10

On lodging an application to lodge further evidence in opposition proceedings..

25.00

11

On appearing at a hearing or lodging a request for the exercise of discretionary power under regulation 19d 

50.00

12

For sealing a standard patent...................................

60.00

13

On lodging an application for the grant of an extension of the term of a petty patent 

20.00

14

For granting an extension of the term of a petty patent..................

150.00

15

Renewal fee on the expiration of a year of the patent specified in this item—

 

 

(a) the second year...................................

25.00

(b) the third year....................................

35.00

(c) the fourth year...................................

45.00

(d) the fifth year.....................................

55.00

(e) the sixth year....................................

65.00

(f) the seventh year...................................

75.00

(g) the eighth year...................................

85.00

(h) the ninth yea.....................................

95.00

(i) the tenth year....................................

105.00

(j) the eleventh year..................................

115.00

(k) the twelfth year...................................

125.00

(1) the thirteenth year.................................

135.00


Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Item

Matter

Fee

 

 

(m) the fourteenth year................................

$

145.00

 

(n) the fifteenth year.................................

155.00

16

On lodging an application under section 71 of the Act for a duplicate of a patent to be sealed 

20.00

17

On lodging a request to amend a specification under section 77 of the Act....

40.00

18

On lodging a request under regulation 76, not being a request for change of address, in respect of each application or patent to which the request relates             

20.00

19

On making an application under section 21, 22, 23,74 or 95 or sub-section 65 (2) or 154 (1) or (2) of the Act             

15.00

20

On making a request under section 52b or sub-section 34 (4), 52 (3) or 54a (1) of the Act 

15.00

21

On filing an agreement under section 64 of the Act...................

15.00

22

On lodging documents referred to in sub-sections 143 (3) and (4) of the Act after 3 months after lodgment of the application and             

 

 

(a) before or at the time of lodgment of a request for examination....

20.00

 

(b) after lodgment of a request for examination................

100.00

23

On lodging an application under sub-section 160 (2) of the Act for an extension of time on the ground specified in paragraph 160 (2) (a)             

 

 

(a) if lodged before the expiration of the time to be extended—for each month or part of a month for which the application is             

 

 

(b) if lodged after the expiration of the time to be extended—the amount payable under paragraph (a) plus an amount of             

20.00

40.00

24

For an extension of time under sub-section 160 (2) of the Act on the grounds specified in paragraph 160 (2) (a) of the Act, if the extension is granted after the expiration of the period for which the application is made—for each month or part of a month for which the time is extended             

20.00 less any amount paid under paragraph (a) of item 23

25

On lodging an application under sub-section 160(2) of the Act for an extension of time on the grounds specified in paragraph 160 (2) (b) of the Act             

20.00

26

On lodging an application to which paragraph 82 (b) applies other than an application under sub-section 54 (3) or 66 (4) of the Act             

40.00 together with $20 for each month or part of a month for which the application is made

27

On lodging any other application for an extension of time other than an application under sub-section 54 (3) or 66 (4) of the Act—for each month or part of a month for which the application is made             

20.00

28

For the supply of photographic copies—

 

 

(a) of patent specifications.............................

5.00 per specification

 

(b) of any other document..............................

3.00 per document

29

For a certificate by the Commissioner............................

20.00

30

On lodging a request for the furnishing of information under section 30 of the Act, where the provision of that information does not entail an international-type search or a special search referred to in sub-regulation 87 (2) or (3) respectively—in respect of each application, patent or other document             

5.00

31

On lodging a request under section 56 of the Act for the result of a search made under sub-section 48 (3) of the Act             

 

 

10.00


Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Item

Matter

Fee

 

32

 

For lodgment of substitute pages in compliance with a direction under regulation 7b—

$

 

(a) within 3 months after the date on which the direction was given.....

10.00

(b) after the time specified in paragraph (a) but before the application becomes open to public inspection             

50.00

33

For taxing costs..............................................

20.00

Application and saving

3. (1) Notwithstanding the amendment of the Patents Regulations made by these Regulations, where, before the commencement of these Regulations, a renewal fee has been paid in respect of a year of a patent, being a year that expires on or after the commencement of these Regulations, the fee so paid shall be deemed to be the renewal fee payable in accordance with the Patents Regulations as amended by these Regulations in respect of that year of the patent.

(2) Notwithstanding the amendment of the Patents Regulations made by these Regulations, where, in relation to an application or a further application for a patent, a continuation fee for the purposes of section 47D of the Patents Act 1952 has been paid before the date of commencement of these Regulations in respect of a year, being a year that expires on or after the date of commencement of these Regulations, the fee so paid shall be deemed to be the continuation fee payable under the Second Schedule of the Patents Regulations as amended by these Regulations in respect of that year.

(3) Notwithstanding the amendment of the Patents Regulations made by these Regulations, where—

(a) in relation to an application or a further application for a patent, a continuation fee for the purposes of section 47D of the Patents Act 1952 has been paid in respect of a year, being a year that expires on or after the commencement of these Regulations; and

(b) after the payment of the fee but before the expiration of that year, a patent is sealed on that application or further application,

the fee so paid shall be deemed to be a renewal fee payable in accordance with the Patents Regulations as amended by these Regulations in respect of that year of that patent.

(4) Notwithstanding the amendments of the Patents Regulations made by these Regulations, where an application for the sealing of a standard patent has been accepted under section 52 or 52D of the Patents Act 1952 before the date of commencement of these Regulations, the fee payable in respect of the sealing of the patent is the fee that, but for these Regulations, would have been payable in respect of the sealing of that patent immediately before that date.


NOTES

1. Notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 31 October 1980.

2. Statutory Rules 1962 No. 2 as amended to date. For previous amendments see Note 2 to Statutory Rules 1980 No. 68 and see also Statutory Rules No. 68.

Overview

The Patents Regulations 1980 were enacted to amend the existing fees and procedures associated with patent applications and grants under the Patents Act 1952. The regulations were made by the Governor-General of the Commonwealth of Australia, acting on the advice of the Federal Executive Council, and came into effect on 1 November 1980. The overarching policy objective of these regulations is to streamline and standardise the fees for various patent-related services, ensuring clarity and predictability for applicants and stakeholders. This includes the fees for lodging applications, requests for examination, oppositions, renewals, sealing, and other services, among others. The regulations also provide for the application and saving of fees in certain circumstances, ensuring that fees paid before the commencement of these regulations are recognised and adjusted accordingly.

Scope and Application

The Patents Regulations 1980, under the Patents Act 1952, apply to individuals and entities seeking to lodge patent applications and those involved in the patent examination and enforcement processes within Australia. These regulations govern the fees associated with various stages of the patent process, including the initial application, examination, sealing, and renewal of patents. The scope of the regulations extends to the Commonwealth of Australia, providing a comprehensive framework for patent-related transactions across the nation. Notably, the regulations provide for the amendment of fees for specific actions such as application submissions, examination requests, and patent renewals, ensuring that the processes remain financially transparent and regulated. The regulations also stipulate provisions for applying fees retroactively to certain instances of renewals and continuation fees, thus maintaining continuity for applicants who have already commenced the patent process. While the regulations cover a broad spectrum of patent-related activities, they do not explicitly state any exclusions or exemptions, thereby applying uniformly to all patent applicants and patentees within the jurisdiction of the Commonwealth of Australia.

Key Provisions

The Regulations under the Patents Act 1952 (referred to as the "Regulations") outline specific fees associated with various actions related to patent applications and patents, including fees for lodging an application, paying renewal fees, and other administrative charges. For example, section 1(1) requires a fee of $10.00 when lodging an application for a patent accompanied by a provisional specification, and section 1(2) mandates a fee of $45.00 for lodging a complete specification. The Regulations also stipulate that fees for continued examination, restoration of lapsed applications, and sealing of patents must be paid (sections 1(4), 1(7), and 1(12) respectively). The Regulations impose several obligations on the applicants and patent holders, such as timely payment of fees to maintain the status of their applications or patents. For instance, section 1(6) requires the payment of continuation fees annually to keep an application under review. Section 1(14) imposes the obligation to pay renewal fees annually to maintain the validity of a patent. These fees are essential for the ongoing administrative and examination processes of patent applications and granted patents. Failure to comply with the fee requirements outlined in the Regulations can result in serious consequences. For instance, if an applicant does not pay the required fees within the specified timeframe, their application may lapse or the patent may cease to be valid. Section 1(7) specifies a fee of $50.00 for lodging an application to restore a lapsed application or a patent that has ceased. Additionally, section 1(8) stipulates a fee of $100.00 for the restoration of a lapsed application or a ceased patent. Non-payment of these fees may result in the loss of rights associated with the patent application or granted patent. These provisions ensure that applicants and patent holders adhere to the financial obligations necessary to maintain their intellectual property rights.

Legal classification tags

Area of Law
Intellectual Property Law
Instrument
Regulation
Concepts
Definitions & Interpretation
Fees
Commencement Provisions
Patent Application Process
Regulatory Standards

Interactions

Authorises

All Versions

Sourced from the Federal Register of Legislation at 26 August 2026. For the latest information on Australian Government law please go to https://www.legislation.gov.au.