Article 68 Altered prescribed periods

(1)

This rule applies to an international application for a patent (UK) which has begun the national phase of the application.

(2)

The period prescribed for the purposes of section 13(2) is—

(a)

the period prescribed by rule 10(3); or

(b)

if it expires later, the period of two months F1beginning immediately after the date on which the national phase begins.

(3)

The period prescribed for the purposes of sections 15(10)(c) and (d) and 17(1) is—

(a)

the period prescribed by rule 22(2) and (7); or

(b)

if it expires later, the period of two months F2beginning immediately after the date on which the national phase begins.

(4)

The period prescribed for the purposes of section 18(1) is—

(a)

thirty three months F3beginning immediately after—

(i)

where there is no declared priority date, the date of filing of the application; or

(ii)

where there is a declared priority date, that date; or

(b)

if it expires later, the period of two months F4beginning immediately after the date on which the national phase begins.

Annotations

F1: Words in rule 68(2)(b) substituted (1.10.2011) by The Patents (Amendment) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/2052), rules 1, 3, Sch. (with rule 4)
F2: Words in rule 68(3)(b) substituted (1.10.2011) by The Patents (Amendment) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/2052), rules 1, 3, Sch. (with rule 4)
F3: Words in rule 68(4)(a) substituted (1.10.2011) by The Patents (Amendment) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/2052), rules 1, 3, Sch. (with rule 4)
F4: Words in rule 68(4)(b) substituted (1.10.2011) by The Patents (Amendment) Rules 2011 (S.I. 2011/2052), rules 1, 3, Sch. (with rule 4)