Extension of timelines on account of the Lockdown

India was in a complete lockdown from 25^th March 2020 to 14^th April, 2020 (lockdown 1). In order to curtail the spread of COVID-19, the Indian Government on 14^th April, 2020 decided to extend the nation-wide lockdown (lockdown-2) until 3^rd May 2020.

In furtherance of the lockdown, the Ministry of Home Affairs, Government of India issued guidelines which clearly indicates that the Government offices that are not associated with certain kind of activities (essential services) will remain closed.

The Indian Patent Office in view of lockdown-1 issued a notification on 25^th March 2020. According to the 25^th March 2020 notification, all deadlines and timelines prescribed under the IP Acts and Rules that fall due during the period of lockdown will automatically get extended to the date on which the offices re-open i.e 15^th April, 2020 (the earlier lockdown was from 25th March 2020 to 14^th April, 2020).

The offices of the Controller General of Patents Designs and Trademarks (CGPDTM), on 15^th April, 2020 issued yet another notification in view of the lockdown-2. According to the said notification the relaxation notified in the Public Notice of 25^th March 2020 shall also be extended accordingly up to 3^rd May 2020. Also, all the hearings scheduled up to 03^rd May 2020 will be adjourned and fresh hearing dates will be notified thereafter.

Even though the deadlines have been extended and India remains locked down until 3^rd May 2020, our team is working remotely at almost full capacity.