IP Australia is requesting submissions on proposed changes to the Patents Regulations 1991.

“These changes would extend the circumstances under which the Commissioner of Patents may make priority documents and other patent documents available to WIPO and other IP offices.”

The applicant would be able to request priority documents be placed in a “secure digital library” to meet the requirements of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and foreign filing requirement of foreign intellectual property office.

“The changes would also reduce the circumstances where applicants are required to routinely file copies of various patent documents with IP Australia when the documents are not immediately required by IP Australia or, if required, are available to it from an IP office.”

The consultation document can be found here [pdf] and submissions are due by close of business Wednesday 17 October 2007.

Source and further information

IP Australia news - Proposed changes to regulations to assist the exchange of patent information

IP Australia consultation paper - Exchanging Information on Patent

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