Patents Act 1977

[F1 117B Extension of time limits specified by comptroller U.K.

(1) Subsection (2) below applies in relation to a period if it is specified by the comptroller in connection with an application for a patent, or a patent.

(2) Subject to subsections (4) and (5) below, the comptroller shall extend a period to which this subsection applies if—

(a) the applicant or the proprietor of the patent requests him to do so; and

(b) the request complies with the relevant requirements of rules.

(3) An extension of a period under subsection (2) above expires—

(a) at the end of the period prescribed for the purposes of this subsection, or

(b) if sooner, at the end of the period prescribed for the purposes of section 20 above.

(4) If a period has already been extended under subsection (2) above—

(a) that subsection does not apply in relation to it again;

(b) the comptroller may further extend the period subject to such conditions as he thinks fit.

(5) Subsection (2) above does not apply to a period specified in relation to proceedings before the comptroller.]

Textual Amendments

F1 Ss. 117A, 117B inserted (1.1.2005) by The Regulatory Reform (Patents) Order 2004 (S.I. 2004/2357), arts. 1(2), 18 (with arts. 20-23)