Patents Act, 1992

Use of foreign specification or search report.

30.—(1) In lieu of making the request provided for in section 29 (1), an applicant for a patent under this Part may, within the time prescribed for the purpose of section 29 (1), submit a statement to the Controller that an application for a patent for the same invention has been made in a prescribed foreign state or under the provisions of any prescribed convention or treaty and where such a statement is submitted the applicant shall submit, within the prescribed period, such evidence as may be prescribed of either—

(a) the results of the search carried out on the said application, or

(b) the grant of a patent in pursuance of the said application.

(2) The applicant shall, if so required by the Controller, also furnish to the Controller within the prescribed time such information as may be prescribed with regard to the filing of foreign applications for protection of the invention for which a patent is sought.

(3) The evidence submitted under subsection (1) shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. Unless the application is subsequently withdrawn within a prescribed period the evidence shall be published by the Controller.

(4) Where the evidence submitted is that referred to in subsection (1) (a) the Controller shall, unless the application is withdrawn, allow the applicant an opportunity to amend the application in the light of that evidence. Any amendments shall be submitted within the prescribed period. If the applicant fails, before the expiry of the prescribed period, either to submit amendments to the application or a statement that no amendment is considered necessary, the application may be refused by the Controller.

(5) Where the evidence submitted is that referred to in subsection (1) (b) the Controller shall, unless the application is withdrawn, allow the applicant an opportunity to amend the application in the light of that evidence. The applicant shall in particular submit such amendments as are required to the specification so that the subject-matter claimed therein does not extend beyond that of the evidence. Any amendments shall be submitted within the prescribed period. If the applicant fails, before the expiry of the prescribed period, either to submit amendments to the application or a statement that no amendment is considered necessary the application may be refused by the Controller.

(6) Any amendment or statement submitted in pursuance of subsections (4) and (5) or section 29 (4) shall, where a duly authorized patent agent acts on behalf of the applicant, be submitted by such agent.