Patents Regulations (Amendment)

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Statutory Rules 1981 No. 2431

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Patents Regulations2 (Amendment)

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 1952.

Dated 20 August 1981.

ZELMAN COWEN

Governor-General

By His Excellency’s Command,

DAVID THOMSON

Minister of State for Science and Technology

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Commencement

1. These Regulations shall come into operation on 1 October 1981.

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) 

together with—

45.00

 

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

2.00

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

4.00


SECOND SCHEDULE—continued

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             

150.00

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

120.00

(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             

120.00

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

90.00

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             

40.00

 

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

50.00

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

60.00

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

70.00

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

80.00

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

90.00

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

100.00

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

110.00

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

120.00

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

130.00

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

140.00

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

150.00

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

160.00

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

170.00

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....................

120.00

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.

50.00

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..................................

80.00

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..................................

40.00

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

50.00

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

60.00

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

70.00

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

80.00

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

90.00

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

100.00

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

110.00


SECOND SCHEDULE—continued

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Item

Matter

Fee

 

 

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

$

120.00

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

130.00

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

140.00

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

150.00

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

160.00

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

170.00

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

60.00

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 subsection 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 made             

20.00

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

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


SECOND SCHEDULE—continued

Column 1

Column 2

Column 3

Item

Matter

Fee

 

29

 

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

S

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

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 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.

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NOTES

1. Notified in the Commonwealth of Australia Gazette on 28 August 1981.

2. Statutory Rules 1962 No. 2 as amended to date. For previous amendments see Note 2 to Statutory Rules 1981 No. 1 and see also Statutory Rules 1.981 Nos. 1. 202 and 203.

Overview

The Patents Regulations 1981 (Amendment) Statutory Rules, made under the authority of the Patents Act 1952, were enacted to update and refine the fees associated with various patent-related processes, ensuring they are aligned with the administrative costs and changes in the economic environment. These regulations were introduced by the Parliament of Australia and are aimed at maintaining the efficiency and effectiveness of the patent system while ensuring that the fees charged remain fair and reflective of the services provided. The regulations cover a wide array of activities, from the initial application and examination processes to renewals and extensions, thereby addressing the need for a structured fee schedule that supports the operational aspects of the patent office. These amendments, which came into operation on 1 October 1981, provide a comprehensive update to the fees previously set out in the Patents Regulations, including adjustments for various stages of patent applications, such as the lodging of applications, requests for examination, continuation fees, and renewal fees. The policy objective of these amendments is to ensure that the fees charged for patent-related services are adequate to cover the administrative costs while providing clarity and predictability for applicants and patentees, thus facilitating the smooth operation of the patent system.

Scope and Application

The Patents Regulations (Amendment) Statutory Rules 1981 No. 2431 made under the Patents Act 1952, governs the fees associated with various patent-related processes and transactions in Australia. These Regulations apply to any individual or entity seeking to lodge patent applications, request examination, renew patents, or engage in any other patent-related activities as outlined in the Patents Act 1952. The fees outlined in the Second Schedule are applicable nationally across the Commonwealth of Australia, impacting entities and individuals engaged in patent processes. The Regulations do not specify any exclusions or exemptions, meaning that all patent-related activities covered by the Second Schedule are subject to the stipulated fees. Additionally, the application of these fees is extended and potentially restricted through subordinate instruments, which may provide further detail or exceptions to the general application of the fees.

Key Provisions

The Patents Regulations 1981, as amended, set out the fees payable in relation to various patent-related activities. Section 1 of the Regulations provides that they come into effect on 1 October 1981. The Second Schedule, which lists the fees for different activities, has been amended to replace Part I. The fees range from $10 for lodging an application for a patent accompanied by a provisional specification, to $170 for the fifteenth-year renewal fee of a patent. The Regulations impose several obligations on parties seeking to lodge patent applications or maintain patent protection. For instance, applicants must pay the appropriate fees for each stage of the application process, including the initial application fee, fees for excess sheets or claims in the specification, and fees for examination, sealing, and renewal of the patent. Additionally, if an application or patent has lapsed or ceased, applicants must pay a fee to restore it. Failure to comply with the fee requirements set out in the Regulations can result in significant consequences. The Regulations themselves do not explicitly outline offences or penalties for non-compliance, but the underlying Patents Act 1952 provides for both civil and criminal penalties. For example, under section 120 of the Act, any person who knowingly makes a false statement in a patent application or document can be fined up to $12,600 or imprisoned for up to two years, or both. Additionally, under section 121 of the Act, any person who uses a patented invention without the consent of the patent owner can be liable for damages or an account of profits. In summary, the Patents Regulations 1981, as amended, set out the fees payable in relation to various patent-related activities, impose obligations on parties seeking to lodge patent applications or maintain patent protection, and provide for civil and criminal penalties for non-compliance with the fee requirements and the underlying Patents Act 1952.

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