Pure Ideas at the CIPA Paralegal Conference: An Expert Paralegal Perspective
At Pure Ideas, we’re always learning and growing to make sure our clients get the best and most up-to-date intellectual property (IP) advice.
Recently, our Professional Support Team Leader, Caroline Reader, attended the annual Chartered Institute of Patent Attorneys (CIPA) Paralegal Conference. As a leading authority in the UK’s IP field, CIPA sets the standards, practices, and regulations in IP law, and promotes the education and professional development of IP practitioners.
The conference not only showcased the latest trends and developments in IP law, but also featured expert speakers, interactive workshops, and engaging panel discussions.
During the conference, Caroline learned about drastic changes to Indian patent law and explored the practical implications these changes will have for our clients at Pure Ideas.
Revolutionary changes in Indian patent law
One of the conference’s highlights was the discussion surrounding significant updates to the Indian patent filing process.
For applications filed after 15th March 2024, a request for Examination must be filed 31 months from the earliest priority date. Prior to this date, the deadline was 48 months. This change should ensure that the Indian Patent Office (IPO) will process patents more swiftly and efficiently but will require applicants to respond faster to queries from the IPO regarding their application. At Pure Ideas, we will work with you to ensure these new deadlines are met.
Additionally, it is now possible to obtain extensions on various deadlines, including filing translations and responding to examination reports. This flexibility is a significant improvement, offering applicants more time to fulfil these critical requirements without sacrificing the progress of their on-going patent applications with the IPO.
Our team has already updated our internal software to reflect these new deadlines. This ensures that our clients’ applications remain compliant with the latest regulations, avoiding any potential pitfalls and delays.
The importance of filing a working requirement form or a statement of non-working with the IPO
A key discussion at the conference highlighted the often-overlooked working requirement form or statement of non-working, both essential for maintaining patent validity with the IPO.
The working requirement form is used to demonstrate that the patented invention is being utilised or worked on a commercial scale. On the other hand, the statement of non-working is required when the invention is not being worked on, and it must provide a valid reason for its non-working status.
These forms must be submitted every three years. Failing to do so can lead to the revocation of the patent.
If these deadlines are missed, applicants may obtain extensions of up to three or six months, allowing additional time to meet IPO requirements.
To learn more about the IPO’s requirements for working requirement forms and statements of non-working, please contact the Pure Ideas team today.
Opportunities for future cost savings with the IPO
Another critical update discussed was the potential for cost savings through a bulk payment of patent renewal fees.
The IPO now offers a 10% discount if four years or more are paid at once. This payment option was not previously available for applicants and provides an additional choice for those who prefer to manage their payments in advance
Caroline’s Personal Reflections
Caroline provided her thoughts on the CIPA Paralegal Conference, she said:
“Attending the CIPA Paralegal Conference was a blast! It was packed with insights and practical tips.
“The sessions on Indian patent law, led by experienced patent attorneys, were eye-opening and brought to life the complexities of written material that we’re already familiar with, making the concepts much easier to grasp. This will only help the team to keep our procedures efficient and up-to-date.
“This experience showed how important it is to keep learning and stay connected with industry experts to keep up with the latest in IP law. It’s given our team a knowledge boost, and we’ll be able to offer even better advice and support to our clients going forward.”
How will Caroline’s experience help us to provide future support for our clients?
Caroline’s experience at the CIPA Paralegal Conference has provided Pure Ideas with an even deeper understanding of recent developments in patent law.
We’re excited to put these new insights into action, helping us keep up our promise to deliver top-notch legal advice and support to our clients.
We can’t wait to share more updates and insights from future conferences and events. As a team we’re committed to constantly improving and excelling in the field of IP law. Give us a call or email to organise an appointment at our head office to find out how we can support you and your IP needs!