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16 March 2020PatentsRory O'Neill

EUIPO and EPO push deadlines as COVID-19 spreads

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has extended its deadlines until May 1 in light of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.

The decision, announced today by EUIPO executive director Christian Archambeau, applies to all time limits falling within March 9 and April 30.

The EUIPO had previously extended deadlines for Chinese parties.

The spread of COVID-19 across Europe and North America has either brought much of the IP community’s work to a halt or forced it online.

Yesterday, the European Patent Office (EPO) granted a reprieve to parties with an extension of all deadlines until April 17.

The deadline could be extended further if “the dislocation extends beyond” April 17, the office said.

The EPO extension came on the same day as the US Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced it was closing all of its offices to the public “until further notice”.

“USPTO offices will remain open for employees, contractors, and those with access badges. Unless otherwise notified, USPTO operations will continue without interruption. Patent and trademark application deadlines and other deadlines are not extended,” a statement said.

UK courts have remained largely unaffected, with hearings continuing as planned. Current government advice is for people who have been instructed to self-isolate and are due to attend court to contact the court in question.

A UK government advisory, last updated March 14, states: “During the current phase of the coronavirus outbreak, the business of our courts and tribunals continues. Any changes to individual hearings will be communicated directly to those affected in the usual way, usually by email and/or phone.”

You can find a round-up of the impact the disease has had on IP at WIPR’s blog here.

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