COVID-19 PTO Updates

Global PTO Updates

In order to help you to manage your IP portfolio effectively during this challenging time and rapidly changing scenario regarding COVID19, we’re closely monitoring the Government advice of Global Patent Office Network and sharing deadline extensions.

Jurisdiction	Updated On	Details	URL
Afganistan	05/19/2020	All operations suspended until JUNE 1 and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until the TMO reopens for business.
Africa - African Intellectual Property Organization (OAPI)	05/15/2020	The African IP Office (OAPI) has announced another extension of deadlines on various IP procedures. Specifically, deadlines that fall between 1 May and 31 May 2020 are now extended until 15 July. Furthermore, working hours at OAPI have been reduced from 8.30pm until 1.30pm.	https://bit.ly/2AwJQu2
Africa - Angola	05/15/2020	The Angolan IP Office has resumed activities following a period of inactivity. For the time being, staff working hours are from 8am until 3pm, with 50% of staff working on a rotational basis.
Africa - Botswana	04/02/2020	State of Emergency for 21 days and lockdown for 28 days since April, 2. Intellectual Property Authority will operate during this period, providing support and services (particularly to matters which have priority, renewals, litigious or other official deadlines), but will only accept documents via email.If your re-registered company was originally registered in March, you are required to pay Annual Returns by 31st March 2020. Failure to pay on the date will result in a P500 penalty from the 1st day up to the 10th day of April. On the 11th day of April 2020, the company will be removed from the register. The restoration fee will be P2000 plus the annual return fee.	https://bit.ly/2yx0AAl
Africa - Cape Verde	04/27/2020	PTO remains closed, until further notice, however applications and other IP acts can be filed electronically. Deadlines postponed until May, 02.
Africa - Liberia	04/15/2020	A three-week lockdown has been declared by the Government from 10th April to 1st May. The PTO will be closed during this period and not accepting any applications.
Africa - Republic of Mauritius	04/13/2020	National Confinement extended until May, 04, 2020. No applications will be accepted until that date.	https://bit.ly/3b6cjE9
Africa - Zimbabwe	04/21/2020	National lockdown extended until May 03, 2020. Zimbabwe Intellectual Property Office is operational but employees will work from home. Users are advised to use online services in file applications and payments.	https://bit.ly/2Vq4zYt
Albania	05/04/2020	Applications and requests should be submitted electronically.
Algeria	05/19/2020	Limited working hours as of March 22, 2020. A grace period of one month will be granted once business is back to usual. IP transactions are available but for limited cases. General lockdown till 30 May and Courts are still closed.
Andorra	04/06/2020	All deadlines of the Andorran PTO (OMPA) for administrative procedures are suspended for 2 months. However, OMPA will be able to carry out procedures that are essential to trademark owners (trademark agents have to go physically at the OMPA but must contact with a 48 hour advance).
Argentina	09/28/2020	The Argentinian IP Office has again extended deadlines for all procedures until at least 11 October 2020.
ARIPO	05/20/2020	The African Regional IP Office (ARIPO) has informed users that its headquarters will remain closed "until further notice". It follows the government of Zimbabwe extending the national lockdown indefinitely. However, while the registry's physical premises is closed to the public, the ARIPO director general reiterated that "the office remains operational with its staff working from home".	https://bit.ly/2ToaQ5E
Australia	09/21/2020	The Australian IP Office has issued new exemptions from certain extension of time fees for patents, trademarks and designs. These documents provide that fees will not apply to some extensions of time during the COVID-19 pandemic requested in the period 1 September to 30 September 2020.
Austria	09/28/2020	The Austrian IP Office (Patentamt) has updated users on its coronavirus procedures. The registry confirms that its customer center is open every weekday from 9am until 12pm, with the building "set up in such a way that the necessary distance is maintained and, where necessary, we have also set up Plexiglass protective walls". Furthermore, all staff and users are required to wear face masks if they attend a consultation. On a positive note, the registry confirmed that it will be continuing its IP Academy seminars. "What began as a Corona measure has since become a well-accepted alternative to the previous classroom seminar," a Patentamt representative said. "We are therefore sticking with it: you can continue to learn everything about brands, patents and designs from your (home) office in a convenient and time-saving way."
Azerbaijan	04/20/2020	The Azerbaijan IP Office is closed to the public for the foreseeable future. The announcement means users can only file applications through the registry's online portal or by email, with the date of receipt of an email will be considered a priority date, even if the email is not seen immediately.	https://bit.ly/2VlDG7Z
Bahrain	04/06/2020	The TMO is functioning normally. No extension of deadlines announced as all necessary documents are submitted online.
Bangladesh	05/04/2020	The office has suspended all operations from 26 March 2020, reopening on 07 May 2020. Deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended to 07 May 2020.
Belize	04/08/2020	The Belize IP Office has closed for all business and will resume services from 20 April, according to local media. In the meantime, users can send any enquiries (such as about e-filings) to two emails addresses ('[email protected]' and '[email protected]')
Benelux The Kingdom of Belgium, The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg, The Kingdom of the Netherlands	08/03/2020	The Benelux IP Office (BOIP) has issued an update on its ongoing operations. It confirmed that, to avoid further spread of coronavirus, employees are "working in part in the office and in part at home". In terms of user services, the BOIP notes: "Would you like to visit BOIP? That can be arranged, but to avoid risks, we request that you only visit if absolutely necessary. To do so, you must make an appointment in advance. Our online services are operating completely as usual and our Information Centre is available during office hours to answer your questions by email and phone."	https://bit.ly/31hbl4v
Bolivia	05/04/2020	The Bolivian IP Office announced the suspension of the terms of administrative procedures in the field of Intellectual Property, Copyright and Related Rights until April 30, 2020.
Brazil	08/12/2020	The Brazilian IP Office (INPI) has informed users that it has postponed face-to-face work until at least September due to the "evolution of the fight against covid-19". The return of face-to-face services with users was supposed to resume this month, but the postponement decision was made "following the local government's reopening schedules".	https://bit.ly/3amIXlI
Canada	08/12/2020	The Canadian IP Office (CIPO) has announced its final extension of designated days, with the agency confirming that any deadlines falling between 16 March and 21 August 2020 are automatically extended until 24 August 2020. According to law firm Gowling, "this is the ninth such extension announced by CIPO as part of its precautionary measures against covid-19 and CIPO has advised that this will be the last such extension".
Chile	09/21/2020	The Chilean IP Office (INAPI) has announced a new system that will allow face-to-face processing of exceptional cases, upon request by telephone. While continuing to operate most services remotely, the office states that a number of procedures can now be carried out in its office, under strict security measures. These include the delivery of priority certificates and sworn statements without an electronic signature, and applications for appellation of origins, geographical indications, certification marks and collective trademarks. Those seeking face-to-face services will be allocated slots between Monday and Thursday according to availability.
China	02/14/2020	Clients who fail to apply for registration renewal of trademarks within the extension period due to the epidemic, which may cause the loss of trademark right, may apply for extension within two months since the elimination of the barrier to the exercise of the rights, with related evidentiary materials being attached. (Translated from CNIPA Website Chinese Version) CNIPA has issued a notice that its service windows will be open from February 3, 2020. In order to strengthen the prevention and control of novel coronavirus pneumonia, effectively reduce the gathering of people and block the spread of novel coronavirus, the applicants are advised to handle the services such as patents, trademarks and layout designs of integrated circuits online via the Internet as they can as possible during the epidemic prevention and control, to minimize the risk of cross infection.	https://bit.ly/2R4dU5x
Colombia	05/04/2020	All expiration dates for administrative IP processes such as oppositions, responses to them, publications in gazettes, payment of fees and other procedures regarding trademarks, patents and industrial designs were suspended between March 17, 2020 and March 31, 2020. In addition, terms for all jurisdictional processes, including processes for trademark infringement, unfair competition, and ongoing consumer protection actions, were suspended between March 17, 2020 and March 31, 2020. On April 1, 2020, deadlines and terms resumed.
Croatia	06/05/2020	The Croatian IP Office (DZIV) has returned its physical offices to "regular office hours" following a period of covid-19 disruption. The registry adds, however, that anyone attending the premises must disinfect their hands before entering, wear a protective face mask, and to stand a physical distance of 1.5 meters from anyone else.	https://bit.ly/3eRZXkO
Cuba	05/04/2020	All legal terms suspended until 05 May 2020. Online filing remains available.
Czech Republic	09/21/2020	The Czech Republic IP Office has re-introduced extraordinary measures related to the health crisis from 10 September 2020. Specifically, the registry has confirmed it prefers any contact with employees to be done via telephone, fax or email, although the office's building remains open (with appointments strongly recommended). However, for in-person visits, users must "use respiratory protective equipment (nose, mouth) such as a respirator, face mask, scarf or other means of preventing the spread of droplets".
Djibouti	04/06/2020	All operations suspended until further notice and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until the TMO reopens for business.
Dominican Republic	07/08/2020	The Dominican Republic IP Office (ONAPI) has announced measures following the lifting of the state of emergency in the Caribbean country. From today (July 6), the registry confirmed that deadlines that were previously suspended will now resume. Along with the resumption of deadlines, ONAPI further confirmed that many services offered digitally will not be provided in-person for the time being, including trademark filing and renewals. For services that are available at the ONAPI premises, an appointment is required (available with a request by email: '[email protected]').	https://bit.ly/3iKJgKy
Ecuador	06/19/2020	The Ecuador IP Office (SENADI) has announced on Facebook that staff will "soon be returning to our offices", indicating that public services will soon be resuming. In the post, SEDADI confirmed that, when re-opened, all visitors must wear a face mask and that it will only be allowing 50% capacity at all times.
Egypt	05/19/2020	As of 10 May 2020, the TM Office started normal operations with all staff members and with full working hours; however, ten cases are allowed daily for every agent. As of 26 May 2020, IP Offices will resume usual activities with all staff members and full working hours and without any limitations.
El Salvador	05/05/2020	The EPO has now extended most deadlines expiring on or after 15 March 2020, until 2 June 2020.
EPO	06/05/2020	The Estonian IP Office (EPA) has announced that it has re-opened to the public. Consultations are now available, although prior registry is required, while applications (and other proceedings) can be submitted at the EPA's reception).	https://bit.ly/2Y60jNK
Estonia	05/19/2020	Trademark & Patent office is partially operational. Official documents can be submitted to the TOP Office as usual.
Ethiopia	06/11/2020	The EUIPO has accelerated work on its e-communications platform following reports of difficulties that customers are having when working from home. Going forward, the 'Reply' button is now available for all e-communications where a reply is permitted. Furthermore, a 'fax alternative' option has also been added.	https://bit.ly/2YmreFh
EUIPO	09/28/2020	The EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has posted a video featuring executive director Christian Archambeau explaining the current situation at the registry. In it, he confirms that staff returned to the EUIPO's Alicante headquarters three weeks ago after almost six months of teleworking. "The return is going smoothly, with strict safety precautions being observed by all staff, and we are continuing to take a flexible approach to teleworking for those who need it," he explained. "Thanks to the advanced systems for mobile working with which the office is equipped, we have been able to operate well throughout the current crisis, but it is good to be back together." In terms of working, he confirms that there was a "big drop" in filing demand early into the crisis, "but that has now been reversed" – although added that, when it comes to the future, "the picture remains mixed". Overall, he says that the office expects "to have around 5% more EU trademark applications this year".
Finland	08/03/2020	The Finland IP Office (PRH) has re-iterated the planned re-opening of its customer service in Helsinki from 3 August 2020. The current plan is to open on weekdays from 12pm until 4.15pm, although users are urged to use the agency's online services instead.	https://bit.ly/2D5BGuo
France	05/04/2020	Fully operational as of 3 May 2020 with except to Tuesday which will be for internal work and not for receiving applications from agent
Gaza	04/05/2020	The patent office is closed but all operations are carried out online without original documents and no extension of deadlines are made. Original documents cannot be submitted at this time.
GCC	05/05/2020	The German IP Office (DPMA) has contacted WTR with information on the measures it has taken to help users during the coronavirus outbreak. "Despite all restrictions, the DPMA is fully able to work," a representative confirmed. "All staff are doing their best to accommodate requests and to provide our services as is usually the case. In the past weeks, we have found out that we are able to respond to such an extraordinary crisis quickly and adequately." The DPMA spokesperson confirmed that, to date, more than 1,000 staff are working from home, with the registry's digital services meaning staff can access documents and conduct IP procedures electronically. A key area of delay is any paper-based mail and fax copies sent to the DPMA, with the representative confirming "our staff will, for the time being, not be able to process without delays because the presence of our staff at the office is reduced". Finally, hearings and oral proceedings will not be issued until 30 June 2020, with any currently scheduled hearings or oral proceedings now cancelled ex officio.
Georgia	04/23/2020	Ghana Industrial Property Office has resumed its activity, however, any meetings are still suspended thus will be resumed accordingly.
Germany	09/21/2020	The German IP Office (DPMA) has confirmed that it "remains closed for the public until further notice" due to a growth in coronavirus cases in the country. The development primarily affects the agency's cash desk, document-receiving, and customer service. In response, the DPMA says "apart from a few exceptions, as this prevents us from having face-to-face contact with our customers, the DPMA is almost fully able to carry out its operations". In concluding its update, the registry said it will announce a re-opening of the office "in time".	https://bit.ly/2XnMv2o
Ghana	03/19/2020	The Gulf Cooperation Council Patent Office has announced it will be physically closed until 4 April 2020, but its online filing systems will be open as usual. Any priority filing deadlines which fall within the closure must be met through online filing.
Greece	04/20/2020	The Hong Kong IP Office has extended its special work arrangements until 26 April, meaning various deadlines are extended and its public service counter is operating on limited days.
Gulf Cooperation Council	06/05/2020	The Hungarian IP Office (HIPO) has published new information on the measures it has taken due to the coronavirus. As of 2 June 2020, the registry continues to request users to file applications via its e-services or by post. The office is open for limited hours (weekdays between 10am and 12pm) for filing documents, while in-person consultations can only occur "in exceptional cases and exclusively upon previous appointment". Furthermore, users must wear a face mask if attending the registry's premises. Finally, the HIPO now allows users who started IP proceedings in paper format to change to digital filings. To do so, users should file an 'electronic request' using the registry's using the ‘additional submissions’ electronic form.	https://bit.ly/3dy3iFe
Hong Kong	09/21/2020	The Hong Kong IP Office has issued yet another update about the continuation of its 'special work arrangements'. This time, it confirmed it will continue until at least 6 September 2020.
Hungary	04/17/2020	Accepts electronic filings only. All deadlines to be complied with.
Iceland	05/04/2020	TMO working hours reduced with most staff working remotely. No extension of deadlines announced yet as all IP transactions are available.
India	09/21/2020	The Indian IP Office has confirmed it will be resuming trademark hearings via video-conferencing. The registry suspended all show-cause hearings for trademark applications back in March, but will now resume hearings in cases 'pending for acceptance'. For interested parties, the agency "is seeking the consent of the applicant or their authorised agent by 5 September 2020". To do so, a dedicated email address has been created ([email protected]). According to Manisha Singh, partner at LexOrbis, the move is a positive one: "This is much welcome step by the TMO which will ease off the pendency figures of the pre-acceptance cases, expedite the disposal rate and bring much relief to the stakeholders."	https://bit.ly/2FN1OeK
Indonesia	06/11/2020	The Irish IP Office (IPOI) has confirmed the end of its 'excluding days' from 2 June 2020. The move means that proceedings occurring between 13 March and 2 June 2020 are deemed to be 'excluded days' for purposes under the IP acts and rules of Ireland. However, from 3 June, "it will be lawful to do any act or thing which fell on a day which was an excluded day". Therefore, "all users, rights holders, businesses and IP professionals are therefore asked to continue working to existing deadlines and payment due dates and to ensure that any matters with deadlines which were left in abeyance during the 'excluded days' period are attended to immediately". For any users still affected by covid-19, the registry adds that extensions of time are still possible on a case-by-case basis. For now, the IPOI premises remains closed to the public, with staff continuing to work remotely.	https://bit.ly/3heWkr1
Iran	03/19/2020	The Israel Patent Office has issued an alert that all users (including applicants and attorneys) should not visit the registry's headquarters until further notice. "Due to the situation, physical access should be avoided, except for the submission of documents in the deposit box near the guard position," a registry representative said. "You can contact the Authority by phone as usual, and submit documents online. [Further], until the end of the Passover holiday (19 April 2020), the regular hearings in the Tribunal are cancelled, and new dates will be adjusted by the Tribunal Secretariat."	https://bit.ly/2JuJvt9
Iraq	05/04/2020	All terms relating to administrative proceedings, on the request of a party or office, pending or initiated after February 23, 2020 are suspended until May 15, 2020. IP rights expiring between January 31st and April 15th retain their validity until June 15th; after that date, it is up to the person concerned, who intends to extend the duration of an industrial property title, to activate using the forms already provided for by the law in order to achieve the maintenance in life or renewal of the right. Terms relating to appeals before the Board of Appeal are excluded from this suspension, as they relate to judicial proceedings and not to administrative ones.
Ireland	05/04/2020	The Japan IP Office (JPO) has released updated information on designated and statutory time limits in relation to the covid-19 outbreak. The post includes detailed information on how to apply for extensions or responding to refusals for various procedures. In a separate post, the JPO explains the flexible approach it taking for procedures negatively affected by the coronavirus.	https://bit.ly/3clIWOq
Israel	05/19/2020	Complete lockdown until 23 May and all legal deadlines have been extended to the same date due to force majeure. However, the TMO started partial operations with limited working hours and reduced numbers of staff as of 27 April 2020 and therefore, it has now become possible to undertake IP cases online though with some delay in processing without the necessary documents at the time of filing new trademark applications. Payment of official publication and registration fees and issuance of registration certificates is still suspended. It has been announced by Official Resources that all government sector will resume usual activities as of 26 may and therefore all IP transactions will be available normally as of the above date.
Italy	03/19/2020	The Kazakhstan IP Office (Kazpatent) has announced that, from 16 March to 15 April, public consultations will no longer be possible at the registry's headquarters. Instead, consultations can be carried out by phone or email.	https://bit.ly/3bAcwQ2
Japan	03/23/2020	The Kenya Industrial Property Institute has issued a notice on disruption to services. It notes that a limited number of staff will continue to essential services such as receiving and processing applications, and issuing certificates. Applicants are advised to file applications and other documents via the [email protected] email address.	https://bit.ly/3dLdQ4u
Jordan	05/19/2020	All IP activities have been resumed as usual with applying health precautions as of 11 May 2020.
Kazakhstan	05/19/2020	All operations suspended until May 30, 2020 and all deadlines related to IP prosecution and litigations have been extended as of 12 March to the date to be decided on resuming of usual operations of the TMO. IPO is totally closed and no IP transactions available including online activities.
Kenya	05/19/2020	Complete shutdown till May 26, 2020; but the IPO has partially resumed activities in rotation with limited staff from 6 April prioritizing cases with deadlines, renewals and annuities. No extensions announced. During this time any procedure can be undertaken without the necessary documents.
Kurdistan	05/04/2020	The TMO Is operating partially with reduced number of hours and no extensions announced yet. All Ip transactions are available without the necessary documents at the time of submission
Kuwait	07/17/2020	The Kuwait IP Office has resumed operations following a period of closure due to the coronavirus crisis. According to law firm NJQ & Associations, the registry's website has been "partially activated" to be able to accept new submissions for trademark applications and trademark publication requests. However, all other trademarks transactions – including the payment of registration fees, recordals, and oppositions – must be done by appointment only at the registry's premise.
Latvia	04/08/2020	The Malagasy Industrial Property Office (OMAPI) is closed, until further notice.	https://bit.ly/3aUkpQq
Lebanon	08/19/2020	Please be advised that the recent devastating explosion in Beirut's port has caused much destruction to the National Office for the Protection of Intellectual Property. The destruction of the premises, loss of electricity and failure of online IP system has rendered IP Office staff unable to work which has adversely impacted the services provided by the Office resulting in the IP Office announcing temporary suspension of all IP activities and it will remain closed to the public until further notice. However, our office in Lebanon remains unscathed, fully operational and our work will continue uninterrupted and receives clients’ communications, queries which are responded to promptly and instructions for IP actions the necessary formalities thereof are prepared so as applications to guarantee immediate filing and attendance to as and when the IP office reopens and resumes normal operations.Meanwhile, the Lebanese parliament has issued a decree on 16 August 2020 stipulating to extension of all deadlines falling due this time until 31 December 2020.
Libya	04/23/2020	The Moldovan IP Office (AGEPI) has updated users on the suspension of time limits during the country's state of emergency. The registry confirmed that deadlines which expire between 17 March and 15 May 2020 are suspended until the day the state of emergency is lifted (which at this time is 16 May 2020). The suspensions are automatic for proceedings before the AGEPI, so users are not required to submit an request to AGEPI.	https://bit.ly/3eQbXnN
Lithuania	05/04/2020	The Mexican Institute of Intellectual Property suspended all deadlines starting March 24, 2020 until May 30, 2020. All deadlines expiring within this period are passed to the first business day, which is June 1, 2020.
Madagascar	04/20/2020	The Moldova IP Office (AGEPI) has confirmed that it will resume its activity from 27 April 2020, although special measures will continue to be in place until at least 15 May.	https://bit.ly/2RSDFX7
Malaysia	05/04/2020	The TMO is functional for all online services with recordals being suspended for the time being until 20 May 2020 and deadlines involved are suspended until further notice.
Maldova	05/29/2020	Based on client feedback IPONZ has recently updated the range of cases and tasks whose due dates may be extended in acknowledgement of the disruption caused by COVID-19. IPONZ will now provide extensions to task deadlines for responding to provisional refusals and subsequent compliance reports, for international trade mark registrations designating New Zealand (NZDs). IPONZ will no longer automatically extend deadlines for trade mark owners to file their counterstatement and evidence in revocation proceedings for non-use of a trade mark. Extensions of time can be requested if the owner if impacted by COVID-19.Whenever the due date for a case or task is extended, its primary contact in the IPONZ online system will receive a notification of the extension. For a complete summary of cases and tasks whose due dates may be extended, please refer to our advisory on IPONZ services during COVID-19. IPONZ will continue providing extensions in the above manner until 31 July 2020 and will advise of any further extensions beyond this date in early July.	https://bit.ly/36IkYLZ
Malta	04/08/2020	The Nigerian government has ordered a "complete shutdown of activities" in the country, and so the IP registry has extended all actions affected by the lockdown – particularly with respect to applications published in the February 2020 edition of the Trademarks Journal. The suspension will occur until the end of the lockdown period "as declared by the federal government	https://bit.ly/2xZ5p54
Mexico	07/17/2020	The Mexican IP Office (IMPI) has re-opened its doors following a period of closure to protect employees and customers. Since 6 July 2020, the IMPI restarted activities, a move that occurred a week before the resumption of deadlines (in order to reduce crowds). Crucially, though, the IMPI confirmed that all procedures at the office can now be conducted online rather than needing to attend the physical premises.
Moldova	04/06/2020	All operations suspended until further notice and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until the TMO reopens for business.
Montenegro	06/26/2020	The Montenegro IP Office (ZISCG) has outlined its re-opening plan, confirming that from 22 June 2020 it will begin receiving clients at its headquarters. The move means that the ZISCG's mode of operation, which required all submissions to be sent in electronically or by mail, has ceased.
Morocco	05/04/2020	The Patent and Trademark Office in Gaza announced that it has suspended operations until further notice. Any deadlines that have come to pass since March 22, 2020 will automatically be extended until the Patent and Trademark Office reopens.
New Zealand	07/28/2020	The New Zealand IP Office (IPONZ) will no longer provide automatic extensions for cases and tasks for any due dates that fall after 31 July 2020. Nonetheless, the IPONZ will continue to accept requests for extensions of time for a case-by-case basis (with the registry specifically recommending users give specific details if the extensions is due to covid-19).	https://bit.ly/2yjm0kq
Nigeria	05/29/2020	The Philippines IP Office (IPOPHL) has confirmed that its mediation service is set to resume "with renewed vigour". A new memorandum was signed on 4 May that allows mediation proceedings to be held online in light of the coronavirus crisis, a move that the IPOPHL says "not only contributes to shaping the 'new normal' at the office but also furthers IPOPHL’s digital transformation journey". For anyone interested in taking advantage of online mediation at the IPOPHL, they can file a request by email (contact details are on the website).	https://bit.ly/3dlxq6U
Norway	04/06/2020	The Polish IP Office (UPRP) has updated users on measures it has implemented to counteract the effects of the pandemic. The most significant measure is that various IP actions are suspended. For example, filing an objection to a trademark applications with a deadline from 8 March to 30 June is now suspended to 1 July. Furthermore, all court proceedings, administrative proceedings, hearings and public meetings will not be conducted for the foreseeable future. Crucially, authorities conducting these proceedings cannot be "punished, fined or ordered to pay sums of money to the applicants for not issuing decisions within the time limits specified by law".	https://bit.ly/2UNs3qb
Oman	03/27/2020	The Portugal IP Office (INPI) has issued another update to its operations. It reminds users that 97% of its employees are now teleworking, and that face-to-face services are now only available by appointment. Furthermore, while most IP deadlines are suspended, users can act within a deadline period because the INPI wants to continue the processing of work as possible.	https://bit.ly/3bGbhyM
Pakistan	05/04/2020	The PTO is functioning with reduced number of hours with only 20% of staff working at office and rest working remotely; they are only accepting physical requests for renewals and oppositions. All actions to be undertaken online continue without hindrance whilst recordal actions are suspended until further notice.
Palestine	05/06/2020	Deadlines falling on/before 12 March 2020 - Usual deadline will apply Deadlines falling between 13 March 2020 and 27 March 2020 (including specified dates) -The new deadline will be 30 June 2020 Deadlines falling between 28 March 2020 and 15 June 2020 (including specified dates) - The remaining time on 13 March 2020 will be added to the date of 16 June 2020. Transactions for which the given time period starts before 13 March 2020 and ends on/after 16 June 2020 - 95 days will be added to the usual deadline. Transactions for which the given time period starts between 13 March 2020 and 15 June 2020 (including specified dates) - The time period given by the TPTO will start on 16 June 2020.
Paraguay	06/30/2020	The Paraguay IP Office (DINAPI) has established new procedures in regards to in-person attendance at its offices. From last week, face-to-face services were resumed in cases that cannot be processed via email. The registry has set-up a serious of 'shifts' that can be booked 24 hours in advance. When it comes to brand management, these shifts are scheduled on Wednesdays and Fridays from 8am until 11am. Turning to trademark examination and renewal, the shifts are available on Tuesday and Thursday from 8am until 11am.	https://bit.ly/2NLPY4I
Peru	07/08/2020	The Peruvian IP Office (Indepcopi) has extended face-to-face services at its headquarters following a restricted re-opening on 17 June 2020. From last week, the Indecopi premises is open to the public from Monday until Friday from 10am to 1pm, with a reduced capacity of 30%. In addition, the use of masks is required, gel alcohol will be provided, users' footwear will be disinfected, and the temperature of users will be measures with infrared thermometers.	https://bit.ly/3fajA8h
Philippines	06/05/2020	The South African IP Office (CIPC) has confirmed that its walk-in centres plan to reopen from 8 June 2020. However, its Cape Town office will remain closed until further notice.	https://bit.ly/3dBJ0L3
Poland	05/04/2020	KIPO has announced an Official Notice to extend ex-officio designated official due dates. Such designated due dates that end on any date between March 31, 2020 and April 29, 2020, will be automatically extended up to April 30, 2020, even if no request for such extension of the term is filed. The due dates would be extended further to May 4, 2020, given that both April 30 and May 1, 2020 are national holidays and May 2 and 3, 2020 fall on a weekend. An additional announcement extended due dates coming due between April 30, 2020 and May 30, 2020 to May 31, 2020. The above-referenced due dates refer to the period during which KIPO allows the applicant to submit specific or missing documents or a response to an outstanding Non-Final Office Action. Such Non-Final Office Actions exclude Provisional Refusals issued against a Korean Designation of International Trademark Registration, but include provisional refusals based on an Opposition. However, due dates based on the statutory period in the Patent Act (Trademark Act, Design Act, etc.) and the period for a possible dispute between parties are excluded from the above-referenced ex-officio extension. For example, the deadlines for entering the national phase of a PCT application, filing a request for examination, and filing a response against a Final Office Action will not be automatically extended.
Portugal	05/15/2020	The Spanish IP Office (OEPM) has posted an online video conference to YouTube on the subject of "continuity of administrative procedures during the state of alarm". The presentation was originally given on 29 April 2020, and focused on practical issues related to deadlines and IP-related procedures that have been affected by the coronavirus outbreak. The original live broadcast was watched by over 170 IP agents, the registry added.
Qatar	04/06/2020	The Sri Lanka IP Office (NIPO) has posted another update on the measures it has implemented. It advised users that wish to file notices of opposition should send a filled-in scanned form and a bank receipt to a new Gmail address ('[email protected]'). Furthermore, it confirmed that three month extensions will be granted to file oppositions (from the date of the gazette publication). To request an extension, users should send it to the above Gmail address "on or before the due date". Finally, the registry also posted contact details of key staff that are now working remotely.	https://bit.ly/34d4XMy
Russia	09/21/2020	The Russian IP Office (Rospatent) has published an interview with the head of the registry, Grigory Ivliev, on how the office has handled the covid-19 pandemic. On how coronavirus affected the field of IP in Russia, Ivliev said: "The most unpleasant consequence of the pandemic for us was the decline in inventive activity. The introduction of anti-pandemic measures has led to a decrease in the number of applications not only from Russian, but also from foreign applicants. The situation is now improving." He further revealed that around 1,500 trademark applications have been "postponed" due to the pandemic, and that the current average time examination time of a trademark at Rospatent is "about six months".
Saudi Arabia	04/17/2020	The Switzerland IP Office (IPI) has updated users on the measures it is taking to keep operations running during the covid-19 situation. Specifically, the IPI confirmed it will grant extensions of two months for the first and second extension requests for IP matters. It further confirmed that "the majority of time limits for procedures before the IPI will be suspended from 21 March until 19 April 2020". In a separate update, the registry announced that it will carry out assisted patent searches and patent landscape analyses free-of-charge from 1 April until 31 May 2020, with the searches taking place via an online meeting platform.	https://bit.ly/2xETCsN
Singapore	06/11/2020	The Syrian IP Office re-opened to the public from 1 June 2020. It follows a previous announcement that the registry had suspended all operations, with any deadlines automatically extended to the first working day that the office reopens.
Sint Maarten	05/20/2020	The Taiwan IP (TIPO) has published information on how it is handling patent and trademark applications during the covid-19 outbreak. Specifically, it outlines how applicants affected by the epidemic can apply for an extension, and stipulating that further extensions can be granted in certain circumstances.	https://bit.ly/3ea2LcJ
South Africa	09/21/2020	The South African IP Office (CIPC) has written a public letter to users about how the country's load-shedding situation has affected its work. It states that coronavirus has seen the agency "find new ways to work", with many staff working from home, and that the load-shedding - wherein electricity outages have occurred in South Africa - has "affected the ability of CIPC to reach all service turnaround times". Therefore, it requests "patient and understanding" in the current conditions for users needing certain IP-related services.	https://bit.ly/32PbmOX
South Korea	09/21/2020	The Korean IP Office (KIPO) has announced, from September 2020, a temporary reduction in the interest rate for loans under the IP deduction. The agency states that "in the case of IP cost loans applied by subscribing companies, an interest rate of 1.25%, a 0.5% cut compared to the previous one, and a 1.0% reduction, 2.25%, for a management fund loan, are applied for one year".	https://bit.ly/2FQyunv
Spain	05/19/2020	The TMO is operational and accepting only online flings. All deadlines as of 13 March have been frozen and extended to 15 June 2020.
Sri Lanka	05/19/2020	The TMO is functioning normally as all functions including hearing session are undertaken online or by email and necessary documents are submitted by email/upload. No extension of deadlines announced yet. Actions requiring legalized documents can be filed without necessary documents which can be submitted later.
Sudan	05/04/2020	The Ugandan IP Office has released a letter (link to PDF) confirming that it has reduced staff interaction with the public. Therefore, the letter includes email addresses that should be used for users that require assistance on IP matters.	https://bit.ly/2WlWu6p
Switzerland	06/24/2020	The UK IP Office (UKIPO) has announced it will be bringing its 'interrupted days period will be ending on 29 July 2020. The move means that the first "normal day of operation" at the UKIPO will be when all interrupted day deadlines expire from 30 July 2020. Commented on the end of this period, the UKIPO's CEO Tim Moss said: "We recognise that our customers will be facing challenges for some time to come and will naturally look to us to provide flexibility and support. Five weeks’ notice before ending ‘interrupted days’ is one of the practical measures we are implementing. It will give businesses time to plan and help them to maintain their valuable IP.”
Syria	06/05/2020	The USPTO has launched a 'Covid-19 Response Resource Center' to assist stakeholders with the coronavirus-related initiatives and programs the registry has released in recent weeks. The platform allows convenient access to information on trademark counterfeiting, consumer fraud, and international developments related to the covid-19 outbreak. "The USPTO stands shoulder-to-shoulder with inventors and entrepreneurs and is working on a variety of measures to incentivise, protect, and disseminate covid-19 related innovation," explained USPTO director Andrei Iancu. "The Covid-19 Response Resource Center will provide inventors, entrepreneurs, and IP practitioners with a centralised destination to access information and assistance needed to meet the challenges of these times." In response, trademark attorney Erik Pelton said it was a "good effort" but called for the USPTO to "add warnings about the traditional trademark scammers as well, who continue to send junk offers".	https://bit.ly/2Y0cdZv
Taiwan	03/23/2020	On additional measures against the spread of coronavirus infection", the staff of the Intellectual Property Agency under the Ministry of Justice organized the work remotely. Citizens applying to the Agency can contact given telephone numbers	https://bit.ly/3bbdWRg
Thailand, Laos, Cambodia, Myanmar	03/23/2020	Deadlines suspended until further notice.	https://bit.ly/3du4eLj
Trinidad and Tobago	04/17/2020	Accepts filings electronically or by post only. Deadlines falling between 30 March 2020 and 30 April 2020 are automatically extended to 30 May 2020. Due date for filing PPH request extended to 4 May 2020.
Tunisia	05/19/2020	All operations are suspended until 5 June 2020 and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until the TMO reopens for business.
Turkey	03/31/2020	The International Bureau remains in full operation, however, has suspended all communication by postal mail. Until further notice, documents will be sent only via email and users are urged to communicate exclusively by electronic means.	https://bit.ly/2UlrEL7
UAE	05/04/2020	The TMO is functioning normally; no extension of deadlines announced yet; however legalized documents are no longer required and can submitted at a later stage and applications can be submitted with simply signed powers of attorney whilst certificates and opposition decisions shall be withheld until legalized powers of attorney are submitted.
Uganda	05/07/2020	The Trinidad and Tobago IP Office has announced it is discontinuing the option for making payments via cash at the registry's various offices. The move, made due to the ongoing pandemic, is to encourage users to use the registry's online payment services. However, cash payments can still be made at one specific location (the Treasury Building in Port of Spain), with the registry stating: "Cash payments should be avoided if possible."	https://bit.ly/2YHB06M
United Kingdom	08/03/2020	The UK IP Office (UKIPO) has sent a reminder to users that its period of so-called 'interrupted days', originally declared on 24 March, has now ended. In the email, it noted that to support businesses, the UKIPO has made "temporary changes" to its registration fees from 30 July 2020 until 31 March 2021 in relation to patents, supplementary protection certificates (SPCs) trademarks and registered designs (see below for more details).
USA	05/15/2020	The Icelandic IP Office (ISIPO) is re-opening its reception from 18 May 2020, a representative tells WTR. It closed on 16 March to protect staff and combat the spread of covid-19, and during that time the ISIPO has not been accepting visitors to its premises.
Uzbekistan	05/15/2020	The Maltese IP Office has confirmed that, due to restrictions pertaining to the coronavirus pandemic, walk-ins to its office are no longer allowed. For that reason, the registry has posted phone numbers and an email address for various trademark procedures.	https://bit.ly/36dBjrP
Venezuela	09/21/2020	The Venezuelan IP Office (SAPI) has revealed that during the country's 'state of alarm degree' triggered by the coronavirus crisis, the agency has registered 883 trademarks in total. Of those marks, 577 are from national applicants, while 306 are applications from abroad.	https://bit.ly/2RNqWo8
Vietnam	06/05/2020	The Sint Maarten IP Office (BIP-SXM) has confirmed that it is "currently preparing" its headquarters to ensure that it meets health and safety standards for clients and employees. Therefore, the office remains closed but it appears a re-opening could occur in the near future.	https://bit.ly/2Xzc4NS
West Bank	06/11/2020	The Georgia IP Office (Sakpatenti) has announced the re-opening of its reception center, meaning applicants can now submit applications in-person. The office has been equipped with glass-dividing constructions, handheld antibacterial solutions, and will provide thermal screening procedures for employees and customers.	https://bit.ly/3e3qDPD
WIPO	06/19/2020	The Paraguay IP Office (DINAPI) has extended the suspension of all deadlines for IP procedures until 30 June 2020. Full details are available in a letter to users (in Spanish).	https://bit.ly/2YM6ozf
El Salvador	06/24/2020	The El Salvador IP Office (CNR) has re-opened its premises to the public nationwide, the registry has confirmed in a statement.
Slovakia	09/28/2020	The Slovenian IP Office has confirmed that, from 23 September 2020, protective masks and disinfection of hands is now mandatory to enter the registry's premises. Furthermore, a maximum of two users can enter the entrance hall, with others required to wait in front of the building.
Belarus	08/03/2020	The Belarus IP Office (NCIP) has updated users on its services in response to the ongoing pandemic. It noted that the work of its consultation center is temporarily transferred to remove mode (by phone), while most administrative procedures are now available via phone correspondence.	https://bit.ly/33kWMPW
Zambia	08/03/2020	The Zambia IP Office (PACRA) has confirmed it has recorded one case of covid-19 at its head office in capital city Lusaka. In response, the registry states that it will "continue to operate within strict public health guidelines provided by the Ministry of Health". For that reason, it urges users to access services through the registry's website or call centre.

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