Newsletter no. 6/2020 “Legal Information” - Third update on the current extraordinary situation

Dear Madam, Dear Sir

As our newsletter of 23 March 2020 concerning the suspension of time limits raised some questions, we are writing to you again to provide further clarification.

The majority of time limits in procedures before the IPI are affected by the suspension of time limits from 21 March until 19 April 2020. The following are exclusively not affected by the suspension:

• Time limits that are determined by months or years (e.g. priority periods, the time limit for filing an opposition or for the payment of the opposition fee),
• Time limits with a specific end date after 19 April 2020,
• Time limits for international procedures (PCT, EPC, the Madrid System, the Hague System).

We have also updated this information on www.ipi.ch.

The suspension of time limits from 21 March until 19 April 2020 is based on the Federal Council decision of 20 March 2020 (in German). The IPI will make the necessary adjustments to those time limits affected of its own accord. It is not necessary to send us a request, nor will we send any written confirmation.

For additional information, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Yours sincerely,

Federal Institute of Intellectual Property
Felix Addor
Deputy Director General