Update, September 14 - IP Australia has notified its stakeholders that - in the framework of its COVID-19 relief measures - the arrangements to provide more time for PBR customers will be continued until at least October 31. Also, the streamlined free extensions of time for up to 3 months available for patents, trade marks and designs have also been continued until 31 October 2020.
Update, August 13 - IP Australia has notified its stakeholders that - in the framework of its COVID-19 relief measures - the arrangements to provide more time for PBR customers will be continued until at least September 30, 2020. The streamlined free extensions of time for up to three months available for patents, trade marks and designs have also been continued until September 30. Customers from Victoria, where Stage 4 restrictions have been introduced shortly, should reach out to the IP Australia if they need more flexibility. More information for PBR customers.
Update, July 20 - IP Australia has announced that all implemented relief measures aimed at providing its PBR customers with more time amid the COVID-19 crisis will be continued until at least 31 August 2020. The streamlined free extensions of time for up to three months available for patents, trade marks and designs, have also been continued until August 31, 2020.
Useful links by IP Australia:
Update, June 17 - IP Australia announced via email to its stakeholders that the arrangements to provide more time for PBR customers as well as the streamlined fee extensions (up to three months) available for patents, trade marks and designs, will be continued until at least 31 July 2020. More information is available here:
Update, May 25 - In an update email to stakeholders, the General Manager of the IP Australia's Patents Chemical, PBR & Electrical Group (PCPEG) confirmed that the arrangements to provide more time for PBR customers will be continued until at least 30 June 2020.
Update, April 28 - as reported by IP Australia via Email to the CIOPORA Office, any companies experiencing financial difficulties and currently unable to pay the renewal fees should reach out to the Australian PBR office as early possible, and before the due date, to determine possible options.
Canberra, April 22 - IP Australia has updated information on its website regarding our response to the COVID-19 outbreak.
The authority has put in place a streamlined process for the extension of time requests with associated fees waived or refunded to assist customers that have been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.
The streamlined extensions of time process apply to most actions for patents, trademarks, and designs. Comparable measures to obtain extra time have also been introduced for Plant Variety Right applicants and title-holders.
Find more information on the IP Australia PBR frequently asked question page.