IPO on 19th November, 2014 announced in its website (http://www.ipindia.nic.in/ ) that the International applications filed to the Indian Patent Office as Receiving Office under the Patent Cooperation Treaty may be filed electronically using e-PCT effective from 15th November 2014.
The Official notice details the Filing and Processing in Electronic Form of International Applications and Documents Relating to International Applications. According to the notice, Since 7 January 2002, any receiving Office having the adequate technical systems in place is able to accept the filing of international applications in electronic form in accordance with Part 7 and Annex F of the Administrative Instructions under the PCT containing, respectively, the legal framework and technical standard necessary to enable the implementation of filing and processing in electronic form of international applications, as provided for under PCT Rule 89bis.1. Further it was mentioned in the Notice that on 3 November 2014, the Indian Patent Office, in its capacity as receiving Office, notified the International Bureau, under PCT Rules 89bis.1(d) and 89bis.2 and pursuant to Sections 710(a) and 713 of the Administrative Instructions under the PCT, that it is prepared to receive and process international applications in electronic form with effect from 15 November 2014.
The content of this article is intended to provide a general guide to the subject matter. Specialist advice should be sought about your specific circumstances.
