Pipers Bulletins

Pipers issues a bulletin on a monthly basis providing a summary of recent developments in intellectual property law and practice in Australasia and other key countries and regions such as USA, UK, Europe and Asia.  Below are links to articles in the latest bulletin. Previous issues can be accessed via the left pane navigation.

Contents Summary of Latest Bulletin

1. Patents

Europe

EPC National Validation Translation Requirements and the London Agreement – Rewards and Risks
The London Agreement, which initially took effect in May 2008, has reduced some of the translation burden for patentees who use the EPC system, but in some instances it can also create an ‘out of sight out of mind’ risk.

New Zealand

(Ambiguous) Late Fee Change of Practice by IPONZ as PCT Receiving Office
On the 18th May 2023 IPONZ advised that with effect from 15th May 2023 it no longer charges a late fee when the required collective Transmittal, International Filing and International Search fees for PCT International applications have not been paid or have inadequately been paid.

PCT

Forthcoming PCT International Phase Fee Changes for Australia and New Zealand
There will be changes for some International Filing fees and International Search fees.
 

2. Designs

Hague Agreement

Hague Agreement Update
As previously noted China (CN) became bound by the Geneva Act of the Hague Agreement Concerning the International Registration of Industrial Designs (Hague Agreement) a year ago on 5th May 2022.