- PART I
- PART II
- PART III
- PART IV
- PART V
- PART VI
- PART VII
- PART VIII
- PART IX
- PART X
- PART XI
- PART XII
- PART XIII
- PART XIV
- PART XV
Legislative Texts
PATENTS (GENERAL) RULES
Chapter 514C
Empowering section
�
(Cap 514 section 149)
[27 June 1997] (L.N. 367 of 1997)
(L.N. 339 of 1997)
PART I
�PRELIMINARY
�
Section 1
�(Omitted as spent)
�
(Omitted as spent)
Section 2
�Interpretation
�
- (1)
- In these Rules, unless the context otherwise requires “application number” means
- (a) �
- in relation to an application for a designated patent or a patent granted in pursuance of such an application, the number assigned by the designated patent office upon the filing of that application;
- (b) �
- in relation to an application for a patent under the Ordinance or a patent granted in pursuance of such an application, the number assigned by Registrar upon the filing of that application;
“Chinese Patent Office” means the office established under the laws of the People’s Republic of China for the granting of patents for inventions;
“European Patent Office” means the office of that name of the European Patent Organization established by the Convention on the Grant of European Patents done at Munich on 5 October 1973;
“International Patent Classification” means the system of common classification for patents for inventions provided for under the Agreement concerning the International Patent Classification done at Strasbourg on 24 March 1971;
“publication number” means
(a) �in relation to a document published under the Ordinance, the number assigned to the document by the Registrar upon its publication;
Legislative Texts
(b) �in relation to a document published under the laws of a patent office outside Hong Kong or under any international convention, the number assigned to the document upon its publication by that patent office or under that convention;
“send” includes give;
“United Kingdom Patent Office” means the office established under the laws of the United Kingdom for the granting of patents for inventions.
- (2)
- In these Rules
- (a) �
- reference to something being filed at a place or with a person is to be construed as reference to
- (i) �
- its being sent to that place or person;
- (ii) �
- its being made or left at that place or given or made to or left with that person; or
- (b) �
- reference to the filing of anything without an indication of the place at which or person with whom it is to be filed is to be construed as reference to its being filed with or sent or delivered to the Registrar at the registry;
- (c) �
- reference to a document in any proceedings before the Registrar being in the specified form is to be construed as a reference to the document being in such form, if any, as may be specified by the Registrar under section 150 of the Ordinance in connection with those proceedings.
PART II
�APPLICATIONS FOR STANDARD PATENTS
�
Section 3
�References to the Registrar under section 13(1)(a) of the Ordinance
�
Right to apply
- (1)
- A reference to the Registrar under section 13(1)(a) of the Ordinance shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be accompanied by a statement in duplicate setting out fully the nature of the question being referred, the facts upon which the person making the reference relies and the order or other relief sought; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the reference and statement
- (a) �
- to any person (other than the person referred to in subsection (1) ) alleged in the reference to be entitled to apply for a standard patent for the invention; and
- (b) �
- in addition, where an application has been made for a standard patent for the invention, to
(i) �any person, not being a party to the reference, who is shown in the register as having a right in or under the application for a standard patent;
Legislative Texts
(ii) �where the application for the standard patent has not been published, any person (not being a party to the reference) who is an applicant for the standard patent or has given notice to the Registrar under section 46 of a transaction, instrument or event in relation to the application; and
(iii) �every person who has been identified in the application for the standard patent as believed to be the inventor or joint inventor of the invention.
- (3)
- Any person who is sent a copy of the reference and statement under subsection (2) and who wishes to oppose the making of the order or the granting of the relief sought (“the opponent”) shall, within 3 months from the date on which the copies are sent to him, file a counter-statement setting out fully the grounds of his opposition.
- (4)
- (a) The counter-statement shall be in the specified form, shall be filed in duplicate and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (b) �The Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to the person making the reference and to those recipients of the copy of the reference and statement who are not party to the counter-statement.
- (5)
- The person making the reference or any recipient of a copy of the counter-statement may, within 3 months from the date on which the copy of the counter-statement is sent to him, file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of the evidence so filed to
- (a) �
- the opponent; and
- (b) �
- in addition, in the case of evidence filed by such a recipient, the person making the reference.
- (6)
- Within 3 months from the date on which the copy of such evidence is sent to him or, if no such evidence is filed, within 3 months from the expiry of the time within which it might have been filed, the opponent may file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of the evidence so filed to the person making the reference and those recipients.
- (7)
- Within 3 months from the date on which the copy of the opponent’s evidence is sent to him, that person or any of those recipients may file further evidence confined to matters strictly in reply and shall send a copy of it to the persons mentioned in subsection (5)(a) and (b) . (8) No further evidence shall be filed except by leave or direction of the Registrar.
- (9)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 4 References by joint proprietors under section 13(1)(b) of the Ordinance
- (1)
- A reference to the Registrar under section 13(1)(b) of the Ordinance shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be accompanied by a statement in duplicate setting out fully the nature of the question being referred, the facts relied upon by the joint proprietor making the reference and the order sought; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the reference and statement-
Legislative Texts
- (a) �
- to each joint proprietor who is not a party to the reference and who has not otherwise indicated his consent to the making of the order sought; and
- (b) �
- in addition, in a case where an application has been made for a standard patent for the invention, to
- (i) �
- any person to whom it is alleged in the reference any right in or under any application for a standard patent should be transferred or granted;
- (ii) �
- any person, not being a party to the reference, who is shown in the register as having a right in or under the application for a standard patent;
(iii) �where the application for a patent has not been published, any person (not being a party to the reference) who has given notice to the Registrar under section 46 of a relevant transaction, instrument or event; and
(iv) �every person who has been identified in the application for a standard patent as believed to be the inventor or joint inventor of the invention.
- (3)
- Any person who receives a copy of the reference and statement and who wishes to oppose the making of the order sought shall, within 3 months from the date on which the copies are sent to him, file a counter-statement setting out fully the grounds of his opposition.
- (4)
- (a) The counter-statement shall be in the specified form, shall be filed in duplicate and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (b) �The Registrar shall, as appropriate, send a copy of any counter-statement to each joint proprietor who is a party to the reference and to any person to whom a copy of the reference and statement were sent pursuant to subsection (2) .
- (5)
- Any person who receives a copy of the counter-statement may, within 3 months from the date on which the copies are sent to him, file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of the evidence so filed to the joint proprietor making the reference and to each person who has filed a counter-statement.
- (6)
- Any person entitled to receive a copy of the evidence filed under subsection (5) may, within 3 months from the date on which the copy is sent to him or, if no such evidence is filed, within 3 months from the expiry of the time within which it might have been filed, file evidence in support of his case and shall send the copy of the evidence so filed to each of the other parties mentioned in sub section (4)(b) .
- (7)
- Any person who receives a copy of the evidence filed under subsection (6) may, within 3 months from the date on which the copy is sent to him, file further evidence confined to matters strictly in reply and shall, as appropriate, send a copy of the evidence so filed to the parties mentioned in subsection (4)(b) . (8) No further evidence shall be filed except by leave or direction of the Registrar.
- (9)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 5
�Orders under section 13 of the Ordinance
�
(1) Where an order is made as is mentioned in section 14(2) of the Ordinance, the Registrar shall notify all original applicants and their licensees of whom he is aware of the making of the order.
Legislative Texts
- (2)
- A request under section 14(3) of the Ordinance shall be made
- (a) �
- in the case of a request by the original applicant or any of the original applicants, within 2 months from the date on which a notification is sent to him under subsection (1) ; or
- (b) �
- in the case of a request by a licensee, within 4 months from the date on which a notification is sent to him under subsection (1).
Section 6
�Authorization under section 13(5) of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- An application under subsection (5) of section 13 of the Ordinance for authority to do anything on behalf of a person to whom directions have been given under subsection (3)(c) or (4) of that section shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be accompanied by a statement in duplicate setting out fully the facts upon which the applicant relies and the nature of the authorization sought; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the application and statement to the person alleged to have failed to comply with the directions.
- (3)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 7
�Reference to the Registrar under section 14(5) of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- Where, following the making of an order as is mentioned in subsection (2) of section 14 of the Ordinance, a question is referred to the Registrar under subsection (5) of that section as to whether any person is entitled to be granted a licence or whether the period or terms of a licence are reasonable, the reference shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be accompanied by a statement in duplicate setting out fully the facts upon which the person making the reference relies and the period and terms of the licence which he is prepared to accept or grant; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the reference and statement to every person in whose name the application is to proceed or, as the case may be, every person claiming to be entitled to be granted a licence, in either case not being a person who makes the reference.
- (3)
- If any recipient of the reference and statement does not agree to grant or accept the licence for such period and upon such terms as are set out in the statement, he shall, within 3 months from the date on which the copies are sent to him, file a counter-statement setting out fully the grounds of his objection.
- (4)
- (a) The counter-statement shall be in the specified form, shall be filed in duplicate and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Legislative Texts
(b) �The Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to the person making the reference.
(5) The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 8
�Request to record a designated patent application under section 15 of the
�Ordinance
�
Request to record a designated patent application
- (1)
- A request to record a designated patent application under section 15 of the Ordinance (or, in the case of a designated patent application that is the national phase of an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, under that section as applied by section 16 of the Ordinance) shall be in the specified form.
- (2)
- Further to section 15(2) of the Ordinance (including that section as applied by section 16 of the Ordinance)
- (a) �
- the documents required under paragraph (a) of that subsection
- (i) �
- shall be filed in duplicate, and one of those duplicate copies shall be in loose leaf form in accordance with section 12o f these Rules;
- (ii) �
- shall be exempted from any requirement under section 104(1) of the Ordinance to be filed in one of the official languages;
- (b) �
- the documents prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (d) of that subsection are those mentioned in section 9 of these Rules;
- (c) �
- the following particulars shall be set out in the request
- (i) �
- the date of filing of the designated patent application;
- (ii) �
- the title of the invention;
- (d) �
- if the designated patent application is the national phase of an international application, the following particulars shall be set out on the request
- (i) �
- the application number of the international application;
- (ii) �
- the filing date of the international application;
(iii) �the date of publication of the international application by the International Bureau and its publication number;
- (iv) �
- the date of publication of the international application in the designated patent office indicating that the application has validly entered its national phase;
- (v) �
- in the case of an international application designating the Chinese Patent Office as published by the International Bureau in the Chinese language, the date of the issuance of the National Application Notification by the Chinese Patent Office;
Legislative Texts
- (e) �
- in the case of a request to record a divisional designated patent application as provided for in section 22 of the Ordinance or a request to record in a new application made pursuant to an order under section 55(4) of the Ordinance, the following particulars in relation to the earlier application for a standard patent shall be set out in the request to record
- (i) �
- the application number of the earlier application;
- (ii) �
- the filing date of the earlier application;
- (f) �
- the request shall contain such translations of documents and transliteration of names as may be required under section 56o f these Rules;
- (g) �
- the request shall contain a list of the documents comprising the request to record and an indication of the number of sheets of each such document.
Section 9 Documents supporting statement of derivation of entitlement to apply
For the purposes of section 15(2)(d) of the Ordinance, the following documents are prescribed in relation to an applicant’s statement explaining his entitlement to apply for the grant of a patent
- (a) �
- where the statement under that section indicates that the applicant for a standard patent is the successor in title to the person named in the designated patent application as applicant
- (i) �
- certified copies of such documents as establish the transfer, assignment or mortgage of the rights under the designated patent application in Hong Kong from that person to the applicant for a standard patent; or
- (ii) �
- in the absence of any such document in relation to a particular transfer, assignment or mortgage, a statement signed by the transferor, assignor or mortgagor confirming the fact of the transfer or assignment or mortgage;
- (b) �
- where the statement indicates that the applicant for a standard patent, not being a person specified in paragraph (a), is the inventor of the invention who is entitled to the property in the invention in Hong Kong, such documents as establish that entitlement;
- (c) �
- where the statement indicates that the applicant for a standard patent is the successor in title to the person specified in paragraph (b) , the documents specified in that paragraph and, in addition
- (i) �
- such documents as evidence the transfer or assignment or mortgage (whether by a single such transaction or by a number of such transactions) of the property in the invention in Hong Kong from the inventor of the invention to the applicant;
- (ii) �
- in the absence of any such document in relation to a particular transfer, assignment or mortgage, a statement signed by the transferor, assignor or mortgagor confirming the fact of the transfer, assignment or mortgage.
Section 10
�Details relating to the previous disclosure of the invention
�
Legislative Texts
For the purposes of the statement required under section 15(2)(f) of the Ordinance, the following details relating to the previous disclosure of the invention are prescribed
- (a) �
- the name and place of the exhibition or meeting referred to in section 55 of these Rules at which the invention was first disclosed;
- (b) �
- the opening date of such exhibition or meeting;
- (c) �
- if the first disclosure of the invention did not take place on the opening date of such exhibition or meeting, the date of such first disclosure.
Section 11
�Period of grace
�
If the filing fee or advertisement fee payable under section 15(4) of the Ordinance has not been paid within the time provided for in that subsection, it may still be validly paid within a period of grace of 1 month after the sending by the Registrar to the applicant of a communication pointing out the failure to observe the time limit if, and only if, within this period an additional prescribed fee is paid.
Section 12
�Size and presentation of documents
�
- (1)
- All documents making up a request to record shall be so presented as to permit of
- (a) �
- direct reproduction by photography, photocopying, photo offset and micro-filming, in an unlimited number of copies;
- (b) �
- the scanning of the document by a device capable of capturing an image of the document and converting that image into a form suitable for storing on and retrieval by a computer.
- (2)
- All sheets of the documents making up a request to record shall be free from cracks, creases and folds; and only one side of the sheet shall be used.
- (3)
- All documents shall be on A4 paper (29.7 cm × 21 cm) which shall be pliable, strong, white, smooth, matt and durable.
- (4)
- Each of the documents shall commence on a new sheet; and the sheets shall be connected in such a way that they can easily be turned over, separated and joined together again.
- (5)
- The minimum margins shall be as follows-
Top 2.0 cm
�Left side 2.5 cm
�right side 2.0 cm
�Bottom 2.0 cm
� and the recommended maximum for the margins quoted above is as follows- - (6)
- The margins of each of the documents, when submitted, must be completely blank.
Top 4.0 cm
�left side 4.0 cm
�right side 3.0 cm
�Bottom 3.0 cm
�
Legislative Texts
- (7)
- All the sheets contained in the documents shall be numbered in consecutive Arabic numerals; and such numbering shall be placed at the top of the sheet, in the middle, but not in the top margin.
- (8)
- Every document (other than drawings) shall be typed or printed in a dark, indelible colour in at least 1 1/2 line spacing and in characters of which the capital letters, where appropriate, are not less than 0.21 cm height, except that
- (a) �
- the request to record may be completed in writing; and
- (b) �
- graphic symbols and characters and chemical and mathematical formulae may be written or drawn, in a dark indelible colour.
- (9)
- All documents shall be reasonably free from deletions and other alterations, overwritings and interlineations and shall, in any event, be legible.
- (10)
- The Registrar may exempt any document from compliance with any of the provisions of this section, if the authenticity of the content is not in question and the requirements for good reproduction are not in jeopardy or in such other circumstances as he may think fit.
Section 13
�Form of statements, counter-statements and evidence
�
Any statement, counter-statement or evidence filed shall, unless the Registrar otherwise directs, comply with the requirements of section 12(1) and (3) , except that both sides of the sheet may be used in the case of statutory declarations and evidence.
Section 14
�Issue of receipt by Registrar
�
On first receipt of any of the documents comprising a request to record the Registrar shall
- (a) �
- mark the documents with the date of their receipt by him and assign a number to the proceedings; and
- (b) �
- issue to the applicant a receipt which shows the number so assigned, the nature and number of the documents received and the date of their receipt.
Section 15
�Date of publication of the designated patent application based on an
�international application under section 16 of the Ordinance
�
(1) For the purposes of section 15(1) of the Ordinance, and despite section 5(2)(d)(ii) of the Ordinance, the date of publication of the designated patent application based on an international application under section 16 of the Ordinance shall be
- (a) �
- in the case of an international application designating the European Patent Office, the date of publication by the European Patent Office in its Bulletin of the relevant bibliographical data showing that the international application has entered the national phase in the European Patent Office;
- (b) �
- in the case of an international application designating the United Kingdom Patent Office, the date of publication by the United Kingdom Patent Office in its Official
Legislative Texts
Journal (Patents) of the relevant bibliographical data showing that the international application has entered the national phase in the United Kingdom Patent Office;
(c) �in the case of an international application designating the Chinese Patent Office as published by the International Bureau other than in the Chinese language, the date of publication by the Chinese Patent Office in its Patent Gazette of the relevant bibliographical data showing that the international application has entered the national phase in the Chinese Patent Office.
(2) (a) For the purposes of section 15(1) of the Ordinance, and despite section 5(2)(d)(ii) of the Ordinance, the other date as referred to in section 16(a)(ii) of the Ordinance which is applicable to the case of an international application designating the Chinese Patent Office as published by the International Bureau in the Chinese language is any date within 6 months after the date of the issuance of the National Application Notification by the Chinese Patent Office.
(b) �An application made within the date as set out in paragraph (a) shall be accompanied by a copy of the National Application Notification.
Section 16
�Communication following examination on filing under section 17 of the
�Ordinance
�
- (1)
- If a request to record fails to meet any of the requirements laid down in section 17 of the Ordinance, the Registrar shall communicate the disclosed deficiencies to the applicant and inform him that the request to record will not be dealt with as an application for a standard patent unless he remedies the disclosed deficiencies within 1 month of the date of the communication.
- (2)
- If the applicant remedies the disclosed deficiencies within that period he shall be informed of the date of filing accorded to the request to record.
Section 17
�Rectification of deficiencies in request documents
�
- (1)
- If on examination of a request to record under section 19(1) of the Ordinance he notes that there are deficiencies in the request which may be corrected, the Registrar shall inform the applicant by notice accordingly and shall invite him to remedy the deficiencies within a period of 2 months from the date of such notice.
- (2)
- The Registrar may, upon request by the applicant presented before the expiry of such period and payment of the prescribed fee, grant an extension of that period for a further 2 months.
- (3)
- If in any particular case the Registrar is satisfied that the applicant’s failure to remedy the deficiencies within the period allowed under subsection (1) or (2) was wholly or mainly attributable to
- (a) �
- a failure or undue delay in the postal services in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office; or
- (b) �
- any natural disaster or strike in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office,
the Registrar may grant such further extension of that period, not exceeding 2 months, as he considers reasonable.
Legislative Texts
(4) If the only deficiency in the request to record after the expiry of the periods specified in subsections (1) , (2) and (3) (as may be applicable) is the failure to file a translation of the title of invention or abstract as referred to in section 56(2)(a) and (b) or a transliteration of the names of the applicant or inventor as referred to in section 56(2)(c) , the Registrar may, on the request of the applicant, allow for a specified period within which the applicant may make good that deficiency on the payment of a penalty fee.
Section 18
�Request to record divisional designated patent application under section 22 of
�the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- A request to record a divisional designated patent application (“new request to record”) under section 22(1) of the Ordinance shall, except as mentioned below, be filed in accordance with section 15(2) of the Ordinance.
- (2)
- The relevant provisions of the Ordinance or these Rules concerning the filing date and compliance with the formalities shall be considered on the basis of the actual date of filing of the new request to record and not on the basis of the date of filing of the earlier request to record.
- (3)
- The provisions of sections 8 to 17 shall apply as if references in those sections to a designated patent application are references to a divisional designated patent application.
- (4)
- Where possible, the description and drawings of the earlier request to record and the new request to record shall respectively relate only to the matter for which protection is sought by that request to record; however where it is necessary for a request to record to describe the matter for which protection is sought by reference to another request to record, such reference shall include the application number assigned to that other request to record and shall indicate the matter for which protection is claimed in the other request to record.
Section 19
�Request for registration of designated patent and grant of patent under section
�23(1) of the Ordinance
�
Request for registration and grant
(1) A request to register a designated patent and grant a patent for the invention shown in the specification of the designated patent under section 23(1) of the Ordinance shall be in the specified form and be signed by the applicant.
- (2)
- Further to section 23(3) of the Ordinance
- (a) �
- a copy of the document required under section 23(3)(a) of the Ordinance shall be filed in loose leaf form;
- (b) �
- the documents prescribed for the purposes of paragraph (b) of that subsection are those mentioned in section 20 of these Rules;
- (c) �
- the request shall also state
- (i) �
- the publication number, application number and date of publication of the request to record;
- (ii) �
- the title of the invention;
(iii) �the date of grant and publication number of the designated patent;
Legislative Texts
- (d) �
- the request shall contain such translation of documents and transliteration of names as may be required under section 56o f these Rules;
- (e) �
- the request shall contain a list of the documents comprising the request to register and an indication of the number of sheets of each such document.
(3) The provisions of section 12 apply in relation to a request to register a designated patent and the grant of a patent under this section as they apply in relation to a request to record a designated patent application.
Section 20 Documents supporting statement of derivation of entitlement to apply
For the purposes of section 23(3)(b) of the Ordinance, the documents to be filed in support of an applicant’s statement explaining his entitlement to apply for the grant of a patent are such documents as suffice to establish that entitlement as set out in the statement.
Section 21
�Period of grace
�
If the filing fee or advertisement fee payable under section 23(5) of the Ordinance has not been paid within the time provided for in that subsection, it may still be validly paid within a period of grace of 1 month after the sending by the Registrar to the applicant of a communication pointing out the failure to observe the time limit if, and only if, within this period an additional prescribed fee is paid.
Section 22
�Issue of receipt by Registrar
�
On first receipt of any of the documents comprising a request for registration and grant, the Registrar shall
- (a) �
- mark the documents with the date of their receipt by him; and
- (b) �
- issue to the applicant a receipt which shows the application number assigned to the matter under section 14(b) , the nature and number of the documents received and the date of receipt.
Section 23
Communication following examination on filing under section 25(1) of the
Ordinance
- (1)
- If a request for registration and grant fails to meet any of the requirements laid down in section 24(1) of the Ordinance, the Registrar shall communicate the disclosed deficiencies to the applicant and inform him of the consequences provided under section 25(3)(b) of the Ordinance in the event of a failure to remedy those deficiencies within 1 month of the date of the communication.
- (2)
- If the applicant remedies the disclosed deficiencies within that period, he shall be informed of the date of filing accorded to the request for registration and grant.
Section 24
�Rectification of deficiencies in request documents
�
Legislative Texts
- (1)
- If on examination of a request for registration and grant under section 26(1) of the Ordinance he notes that there are deficiencies in the request which may be corrected, the Registrar shall inform the applicant by notice accordingly and shall invite him to remedy the deficiencies within a period of 2 months from the date of such notice.
- (2)
- The Registrar may, upon request by the applicant presented before the expiry of such period and payment of the prescribed fee, grant an extension of that period for a further 2 months.
- (3)
- If in any particular case the Registrar is satisfied that the applicant’s failure to remedy the deficiencies within the period allowed under subsection (1) or (2) was wholly or mainly attributable to
- (a) �
- a failure or undue delay in the postal services in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office; or
- (b) �
- any natural disaster or strike in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office,
the Registrar may grant such further extension of that period, not exceeding 2 months, as he considers reasonable.
(4) If the only deficiency in the request for registration and grant after the expiry of the periods specified in subsections (1) , (2) and (3) (as may be applicable) is the failure to file a translation of the title of invention as referred to in section 56(2)(a) and (b) or a transliteration of the names of the applicant or inventor as referred to in section 56(2)(c) , the Registrar may, on the request of the applicant, allow for a specified period within which the applicant may make good that deficiency on the payment of a penalty fee.
Section 25
Notice requesting reinstatement of an application under section 28 of the
Ordinance
A notice under section 28 of the Ordinance requesting reinstatement of an application for a standard patent shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by the additional prescribed fee.
Section 26 Application for restoration of rights under section 29 of the Ordinance
An application under section 29 of the Ordinance for restoration of rights lost in relation to an application for a standard patent shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by the additional prescribed fee.
PART III
�PROVISIONS AS TO APPLICATIONS FOR STANDARD
�PATENTS BEFORE GRANT
�
Section 27
�Amendment of application for standard patent under section 31 of the
�Ordinance
�
Legislative Texts
(1) Any amendment under section 31 of the Ordinance to an application for a standard patent shall be made by way of application to the Registrar in the specified form.
- (2)
- An application for amendment
- (a) �
- shall clearly identify the proposed amendment and state the reasons for it; or
- (b) �
- in the case of amendment to which section 31(2) of the Ordinance applies, shall be accompanied by a verified copy of the amendment made to the corresponding designated patent application and, where appropriate, a prescribed translation of that amendment.
Section 28
�Maintenance of application for standard patent under section 33 of the
�Ordinance
�
- (1)
- An application to maintain an application for a standard patent under section 33 of the Ordinance shall be in the specified form and be signed by the applicant.
- (2)
- Where the period specified in section 33(2) of the Ordinance for the making of a maintenance application in respect of a patent application has expired, the Registrar shall, not later than 6 weeks after the last date for making the maintenance application under that subsection and if the maintenance fee specified in that subsection remains unpaid, send to the applicant of the patent application a notice informing him that the period for making a maintenance application has expired and of the consequences of not making such an application and paying the fees specified in section 33(4) of the Ordinance.
- (3)
- Notice under subsection (2) shall be directed to
- (a) �
- the address specified by the applicant of the maintenance application on payment of the last maintenance fee; or
- (b) �
- where another address has been notified to him for that purpose by the applicant of the maintenance application since the last maintenance, that address,
or, in any other case, the address for service entered in the register.
Section 29
�Rectification of deficiencies and removal of doubts in maintenance documents
�
- (1)
- If the Registrar
- (a) �
- notes deficiencies in a maintenance application under section 33(2) of the Ordinance; or
- (b) �
- has reason to doubt the veracity of any statement in the maintenance application,
he shall communicate those deficiencies or doubts to the applicant and inform him that the maintenance application shall be refused unless the applicant remedies the deficiencies or removes the doubts within a period of 2 months from the date of such communication.
- (2)
- The Registrar may, upon request by the applicant presented before the expiry of such period and payment of the prescribed fee, grant an extension of that period for a further 2 months.
- (3)
- If in any particular case the Registrar is satisfied that the applicant’s failure to remedy the deficiencies or remove the doubts within the period allowed under subsection (1) or (2) was wholly or mainly attributable to-
Legislative Texts
- (a) �
- a failure or undue delay in the postal services in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office; or
- (b) �
- any natural disaster or strike in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office,
the Registrar may grant such further extension of that period, not exceeding 2 months, as he considers reasonable.
- (4)
- If, upon consideration of the statements contained in a maintenance application, the Registrar is not satisfied that a case for maintenance under section 33 of the Ordinance has been made out, he shall notify the applicant accordingly and, unless within 1 month the applicant requests to be heard in the matter, the Registrar shall refuse the application.
- (5)
- If the applicant requests a hearing within the time allowed, the Registrar shall, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard, determine whether the maintenance application shall be allowed or refused.
Section 30
�Notification of deemed withdrawn application for standard patent
�
Where
- (a) �
- an application for a standard patent has been deemed to be withdrawn and abandoned because a maintenance fee has not been paid within the period specified in section 33(2) and (3) of the Ordinance; and
- (b) �
- the extended period specified in section 33(4) of the Ordinance has expired without the maintenance fee and prescribed additional fee having been paid,
the Registrar shall, within 6 weeks after the expiration of the extended period, notify the applicant of the standard patent of the fact and draw his attention to the provisions of section 34 of the Ordinance.
Section 31
Restoration of application for standard patent under section 34 of the
Ordinance
- (1)
- An application to restore an application for a standard patent under section 34 of the Ordinance shall be in the specified form and be signed by the applicant.
- (2)
- The restoration application shall contain statements by the applicant in relation to matters relevant to the restoration of the application for a standard patent including, but without limiting those matters, statements indicating whether at the date of the restoration application
- (a) �
- the designated patent application is still valid or has been withdrawn; and
- (b) �
- a patent has been granted in pursuance of that designated patent application and, if granted, the time for filing a request to register the designated patent and grant a patent under section 23 of the Ordinance has expired.
- (3)
- If, upon consideration of the statements, the Registrar is not satisfied that a case for an order under section 34 of the Ordinance has been made out, he shall notify the applicant accordingly and, unless within 1 month the applicant requests to be heard in the matter, the Registrar shall refuse the application.
Legislative Texts
- (4)
- If the applicant requests a hearing within the time allowed, the Registrar shall, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard, determine whether the application shall be allowed or refused.
- (5)
- If the Registrar decides to allow the application, he shall notify the applicant accordingly and require him, within 2 months after the date on which the notification is sent to him, to file an application in the form specified for the purposes of section 33(2) of the Ordinance, duly completed, accompanied by any unpaid maintenance fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of section 33(4) of the Ordinance, upon receipt of which the Registrar shall order the restoration of the application for standard patent and shall advertise the fact of such order in the Gazette.
PART IV
�PROVISIONS AS TO PATENTS AFTER GRANT
�
Section 32
�Renewal of standard patents
�
Standard patents
- (1)
- Payment of the renewal fee prescribed for the purposes of section 39(2) of the Ordinance shall be made by filing a request for renewal in the specified form accompanied by the renewal fee.
- (2)
- On receipt of the request for renewal duly completed and renewal fee, the Registrar shall issue a confirmation of payment.
- (3)
- Where the period for payment of a renewal fee pursuant to section 39(2) and (3) of the Ordinance has expired, the Registrar shall, not later than 6 weeks after the last date for payment under that section and if the fee still remains unpaid, send to the proprietor of the standard patent a notice reminding him that payment is overdue and of the consequences of non-payment.
- (4)
- Notice to a proprietor under subsection (3) shall be sent to
- (a) �
- the address in Hong Kong specified by the proprietor on payment of the last renewal fee;
- (b) �
- where another address in Hong Kong has been notified to the Registrar for that purpose by the proprietor since the last renewal, that address; or
- (c) �
- in any other case, the address for service entered in the register.
- (5)
- The late payment of a renewal fee in the manner provided for in section 39(4) of the Ordinance shall be made by filing a request for renewal in the specified form accompanied by the renewal fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of that section.
Section 33
�Notification of lapsed standard patent
�
Where
(a) �a standard patent has ceased to have effect because a renewal fee has not been paid within the period specified in section 39(2) and (3) of the Ordinance; and
Legislative Texts
(b) �the extended period specified in section 39(4) of the Ordinance has expired without the renewal and prescribed additional fee having been paid,
the Registrar shall, within 6 weeks after the expiration of the extended period, notify the proprietor of the patent of the fact and draw his attention to the provisions of section 40 of the Ordinance.
Section 34 Restoration of lapsed standard patents under section 40 of the Ordinance
- (1)
- An application under section 40 of the Ordinance for the restoration of a standard patent which has ceased to have effect by reason of a failure to pay any renewal fee
- (2)
- If, upon consideration of the evidence provided in support of an application, the Registrar is not satisfied that a case for an order under section 40 of the Ordinance has been made out, he shall notify the applicant accordingly and, unless within 1 month the applicant requests to be heard in the matter, the Registrar shall refuse the application.
- (3)
- If the applicant requests a hearing within the time allowed, the Registrar shall, after giving the applicant an opportunity of being heard, determine whether the application shall be allowed or refused.
- (4)
- If the Registrar decides to allow the application, he shall notify the applicant accordingly and require him, within 2 months from the date on which the notification is sent to him, to file a request for renewal in the specified form, duly completed, accompanied by any unpaid renewal fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of section 40(4) of the Ordinance, upon receipt of which the Registrar shall order the restoration of the standard patent and shall advertise the fact of such order in the Gazette.
(a) | shall be in the specified form; |
(b) | shall be signed by the applicant; |
(c) | shall be supported by evidence of the statements made in it; and |
(d) | shall be accompanied by the fee prescribed for the purposes of that section. |
Section 35 Amendment of standard patent under section 43 of the Ordinance
(1) The period prescribed for the purposes of section 43(1) of the Ordinance is the period of 3 months beginning from
- (a) �
- the date of the amendment in the designated patent office; or
- (b) �
- the date of grant of the standard patent,
whichever is the later.
(2) The documentation prescribed for the purposes of section 43(1) of the Ordinance is a verified copy of an entry in the patent register of the designated patent office showing the amendment to the specification of the corresponding designated patent.
- (3)
- The Registrar may, if he thinks fit, require
- (a) �
- the amendment be shown on a copy of the specification of which amendment has been made in the designated patent office; or
Legislative Texts
(b) �the filing, within the time specified by the Registrar, of a new specification as amended, which shall be prepared in accordance with section 12.
Section 36
�Opposition or revocation proceedings in the designated patent office for the
�purposes of sections 43 and 44 of the Ordinance
�
The following opposition or revocation proceedings are prescribed for the purposes of sections 43 and 44 of the Ordinance
- (a) �
- in the Chinese Patent Office, any post-grant revocation proceedings under or in accordance with Articles 41 to 44 of the Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China and Rules 55 to 63 of the Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China;
- (b) �
- in European Patent Office, any post-grant opposition proceedings under or in accordance with Part V of the European Patent Convention.
Section 37
�Revocation of standard patent under section 44 of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- A filing of documents with the Registrar for the purposes of section 44(2) of the Ordinance shall be made by filing those documents together with a notice, which shall be in the specified form, and such translations of the documents as may be required under section 56 .
- (2)
- An application under section 44(4) of the Ordinance for revocation of a patent shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be supported by evidence of the statements made in the application and, where appropriate, shall be accompanied by a prescribed translation of such evidence in accordance with section 56 ; and (L.N. 402 of 1997)
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (3)
- The documentation prescribed for the purposes of section 44(2) of the Ordinance is a verified copy of an entry in the patent register of the designated patent office showing the revocation of the designated patent.
- (4)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of an application made under section 44(4) of the Ordinance to every person registered as proprietor of the patent and to every other person whose interests the Registrar considers may be affected by the application.
- (5)
- Any recipient of such a copy of an application under subsection (4) who wishes to oppose the application shall, within 3 months from the date of its issue, file a counter-statement in duplicate which shall be in the specified form, shall set out fully the grounds of objection to the application being opposed and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (6)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to each of the persons described in subsection (4) other than any person who is party to the counter-statement.
- (7)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Legislative Texts
Section 38
�Mention of inventor under section 45 of the Ordinance
�
Patents generally
�
- (1)
- A person claiming to be the inventor or a joint inventor of an invention for which a patent has been granted may apply to the Registrar for a finding that he is entitled to be mentioned in the patent as the inventor or joint inventor of the invention in pursuance of section 45(1) of the Ordinance.
- (2)
- Application for a finding under subsection (1) , or a request under section 45(2) of the Ordinance for a finding that a person ought not to have been mentioned in a patent as sole or joint inventor in pursuance of such a finding, shall
- (3)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of an application and statement under subsection (1) or a request and statement under section 45(2) of the Ordinance to
- (a) �
- every person registered as proprietor of the patent other than the applicant or person making the request under section 45o f the Ordinance;
- (b) �
- every person who has been identified in the patent or any such statement as believed to be the inventor or joint inventor of the invention;
- (c) �
- every other person whose interests the Registrar considers may be affected by the application or request.
- (4)
- Any recipient of such a copy of an application or request and statement who wishes to oppose the application or request shall, within 3 months from the date on which it is sent to him, file a counter-statement.
- (5)
- (a) The counter-statement shall be in the specified form, shall be filed in duplicate, shall set out fully the grounds of objection to the application or the request being opposed and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee. (b) �The Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to each of the persons described in this section other than any person who is party to the counter-statement.
- (6)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
(a) | be in the specified form; |
(b) | be accompanied by a copy of the application or request and a statement in duplicate |
setting out fully the facts relied upon; and (L.N. 402 of 1997) | |
(c) | be accompanied by the prescribed fee. |
Section 39 Amendment of specification after grant
- (1)
- The proprietor of a patent in respect of which the specification has been amended by court order under section 46 of the Ordinance shall, within 1 month of the making of such a court order, file with the Registrar notice of such amendment.
- (2)
- A notice under subsection (1) shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by a verified copy of the court order together with any supporting documents.
Legislative Texts
- (3)
- The Registrar may, if he thinks fit, require
- (a) �
- the amendment be shown on a copy of the specification of which amendment has been made by the court order; or
- (b) �
- the filing, within the time specified by the Registrar, of a new specification as amended, which shall be prepared in accordance with section 12.
Section 40
�Surrender of patents
�
- (1)
- A notice of an offer by a proprietor of a patent under section 48 of the Ordinance to surrender his patent shall be in the specified form and details of any such notice given to the Registrar shall be advertised by the Registrar in the Gazette.
- (2)
- Notice of opposition under section 48(2) of the Ordinance to the surrender of a patent may be given at any time within 2 months from the date of the advertisement.
- (3)
- Such notice shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be supported by a statement in duplicate setting out fully the facts upon which the opponent relies and the relief which he seeks; and
- (c)
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee, and the Registrar shall send a copy of the notice and of the statement to the proprietor of the patent.
- (4)
- Within 3 months from the date on which the copies are sent to him, the proprietor of the patent shall, if he wishes to continue with the surrender, file a counter-statement which shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- set out fully the grounds of objection to the surrender being opposed; and
- (c)
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee, and the Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to the opponent.
- (5)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 41
�Registrar’s power to revoke patent on grounds of “ordre public” or morality
�under section 49 of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- A reference under section 49(1) of the Ordinance to the Registrar of the question as to whether an invention is a patentable invention having regard to any of the matters specified in section 93(5) of the Ordinance shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- be accompanied by a statement in duplicate setting out fully the reference sought and the facts upon which the person making the reference (“the applicant”) relies; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the reference and statement to the proprietor of the patent.
Legislative Texts
(3) Within 3 months from the date of the sending of the copy of the reference and statement, the proprietor of the patent shall, if he wishes to contest the reference, file a counter-statement which shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate;
- (b) �
- set out fully the grounds of objection to the reference being opposed; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee,
and the Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to the applicant.
- (4)
- The applicant may, within 3 months from the date on which the copy of the counter-statement is sent to him, file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of the evidence to the proprietor.
- (5)
- Within 3 months from the date of the sending of the copy of the applicant’s evidence, or, if the applicant does not file any evidence, within 3 months of the expiration of the time within which such evidence might have been filed, the proprietor of the patent may file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of that evidence to the applicant; and, within 3 months from the date of the sending of the copy of the proprietor’s evidence, the applicant may file further evidence confined to matters strictly in reply and shall send a copy of it to the proprietor. (6) No further evidence shall be filed except by leave or direction of the Registrar.
- (7)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
PART V
�PROPERTY IN PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS;
�REGISTRATION
�
Section 42
�Address for service in respect of patents
�
- (1)
- There shall be furnished to the Registrar
- (a) �
- by every applicant under an application for a patent, an address for service in Hong Kong for the purpose of his application;
- (b) �
- despite subsections (2) and (3) , by every person (including the applicant for, or the proprietor of, a patent as the case may be) concerned in any proceedings to which any of these Rules relate, an address for service in Hong Kong,
and the address so furnished, or any another address in Hong Kong furnished in place of that address, shall be treated for the purposes of that application or those proceedings as the address of that applicant or person (as the case may be).
- (2)
- Upon the grant of an application for a patent, the applicant’s address for service as shown in the register shall be treated as the address for service of the proprietor of the patent unless an alternative address is furnished.
- (3)
- An address for service for an applicant for, or a proprietor of, a patent may be withdrawn by the applicant or the proprietor or the person providing the address for service, as the case may be, by notice to the Registrar; and upon such notification the Registrar may treat the address of the
Legislative Texts
applicant or the proprietor previously notified to him as the address for service until such time as an alternative address is furnished.
- (4)
- In any case in which an address for service is filed at the same time as the filing of a document under these Rules the specified form of which requires the furnishing of an address for service, the address shall be filed as part of that form and in any other case it shall be filed by notice in the specified form.
- (5)
- Anything sent to any person under this section at his address for service shall be deemed to be properly sent; and the Registrar may, where no address for service is filed, treat as the address for service of the person concerned his trade or business address in Hong Kong, if any.
Section 43
�Entries in the register
�
- (1)
- No entry shall be made in the register
- (a) �
- in respect of any application for a standard patent before the request to record has been published in accordance with section 20 of the Ordinance; or
- (b) �
- in respect of any application for a short-term patent before the short-term patent has been granted.
(2) Upon publication of the application for the standard patent or upon grant of the short-term patent, the Registrar shall cause to be entered in the register
- (a) �
- the name and address of the applicant or proprietor (as the case may be);
- (b) �
- the name of the person stated by the applicant or proprietor believed to be the inventor or inventors;
- (c) �
- the title of the invention;
- (d) �
- the date of filing of the application for the patent and the application number;
- (e) �
- the date of filing and the application number of any application declared for the purposes of section 98 or 111 of the Ordinance and the country, territory or area in or for which the application was made;
- (f) �
- in the case of an application for a standard patent, the date of filing and the publication number of the corresponding designated patent application;
- (g) �
- the date of publication of the application for the standard patent or grant of the short-term patent (as the case may be); and
- (h) �
- the address for service of the applicant or proprietor (as the case may be).
- (3)
- The Registrar shall also cause to be entered in the register
- (a) �
- in relation to any patent or published application for a standard patent
- (i) �
- the address for service, if different to the entry made in accordance with subsection (2)(h) ;
- (ii) �
- notice of any transaction, instrument or event referred to in section 52(3) of the Ordinance; and
- (b) �
- in relation to any standard patent or standard patent application, in addition to the matters specified in paragraph (a)
Legislative Texts
- (i) �
- the date on which the published application is withdrawn, deemed to be withdrawn or refused;
- (ii) �
- the date of grant of the corresponding designated patent;
(iii) �the date on which the standard patent is granted;
(iv) �the name and address of the person or persons to whom the standard patent is granted, if different to the entry made in accordance with subsection (2)(a) .
(4) The Registrar may at any time enter in the register such other particulars as he may think fit.
Section 44
�Entries relating to section 13(1) of the Ordinance
�
On the reference to the Registrar of a question under section 13(1) of the Ordinance he shall, subject to section 43(1) , cause an entry to be made in the register of the fact and of such other information relating to the reference as he may think fit.
Section 45
�Alteration of name or address
�
- (1)
- A request by any person, upon the alteration of his name, for that alteration to be entered in the register or on any application or other document filed at the registry shall be in the specified form.
- (2)
- Before acting on a request to alter a name, the Registrar may require such proof of the alteration as he thinks fit.
- (3)
- A request by any person for the alteration or correction of his address or address for service entered in the register or on any application or other document filed with the Registrar shall be in the specified form and shall identify any relevant application or patent to which the request relates.
- (4)
- If the Registrar is satisfied that a request to alter a name or to alter or correct an address or address for service may be allowed, he shall cause the register, application or other document to be altered accordingly.
Section 46
�Registration of transactions, etc in relation to patents and patent applications
�
(1) An application to register, or a notice to the Registrar of, any transaction, instrument or event to which section 52 of the Ordinance applies shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- An application or a notice under subsection (1) shall
- (a) �
- where it relates to an assignment referred to in section 52(3)(a) or (c) of the Ordinance, be signed by the assignor;
- (b) �
- where it relates to a mortgage or the granting of a licence or sub-licence or security referred to in section 52(3)(b) or (c) of the Ordinance, be signed by or on behalf of the mortgagor or the grantor of the licence or security, as the case may be,
Legislative Texts
or, if not so signed, shall be accompanied by such documentary evidence as suffices to establish the transaction, instrument or event.
- (3)
- The Registrar may direct that such evidence as he may require in connection with the application or notice shall be sent to him within such period as he may specify.
- (4)
- An application or a notice under subsection (1) may be rejected only in the event of failure to comply with the conditions laid down in subsection (2) or (3) or, where appropriate, in section 50(6) of the Ordinance and, if so rejected, the application will not be considered as an application or a notice for the purposes of section 52(1) of the Ordinance.
Section 47
�Request for correction of error in the register or in any document filed in
�connection with registration
�
- (1)
- Except as provided in section 45(3) , a request for the correction of an error in the register or in any document filed with the Registrar in connection with registration shall
- (a) �
- be made in the specified form and the correction shall be clearly identified on a document annexed to the request or, if not, on the request itself;
- (b) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (2)
- The Registrar may call for such written explanation of the reasons for the request or evidence in support of it as he may require in order to satisfy himself that there is an error and, upon being so satisfied, shall make such correction as may be agreed between the proprietor of the patent or applicant and the Registrar.
Section 48
�Correction of errors in patents and applications under section 146 of the
�Ordinance
�
(1) Except where section 45(3) has effect, a request for the correction of an error of translation or transcription or of a clerical error or mistake in any specification of a patent, in an application for a patent or in any document filed in connection with a patent or such an application shall
- (a) �
- be in the specified form;
- (b) �
- clearly identify the proposed correction; and
- (c) �
- be accompanied by the prescribed fee,
and the Registrar may, if he thinks fit, require that the correction be shown on a copy of the document of which correction is sought.
- (2)
- Where such a request relates to a specification, no correction shall be made in the specification unless the correction is obvious in the sense that it is immediately evident that nothing else would have been intended than what is offered as the correction.
- (3)
- Where the Registrar requires notice of the proposed correction to be advertised, he shall advertise the request and the nature of the proposed correction in the Gazette.
- (4)
- At any time within 2 months after the date of the advertisement, any person may give notice to the Registrar of opposition to the request.
Legislative Texts
- (5)
- Such notice shall be in the specified form and be filed in duplicate, shall be supported by a statement setting out fully the facts on which the opponent relies and the relief which he seeks and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (6)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the notice and the statement to the person making the request who, if he desires to proceed with the request, shall within 3 months from the date of the sending of the copies to him, file a counter-statement in duplicate setting out fully the grounds on which he contests the opposition and pay the prescribed fee, and the Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to the opponent.
- (7)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 49
�Request as to payment of renewal fee
�
A request for information about the date of payment of any renewal fee shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee, if any, but a copy of an entry in or extract from the register shall be requested only in accordance with section 51.
Section 50
�Inspection of register
�
- (1)
- The register, or entries or reproductions of entries in it, shall be made available for inspection by the public during the hours of business of the registry as published in accordance with section 148 of the Ordinance.
- (2)
- A request to be allowed to inspect the register shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee, if any, but a copy of an entry in or extract from the register shall be requested only in accordance with section 51.
Section 51
�Certificates and copies supplied by Registrar
�
- (1)
- Upon written request made in the specified form and payment of the prescribed fee, but subject to subsection (3) , the Registrar shall supply
- (a)
- a certified copy or certified extract falling within section 51(11) of the Ordinance;
- (b)
- a certificate for the purposes of section 51(10) of the Ordinance.
- (2)
- Upon written request and payment of the prescribed fee, if any, but subject to subsection (3) , the Registrar shall supply an uncertified copy of an entry in or an uncertified extract from the register or an uncertified copy of or an uncertified extract from anything referred to in section 51(11)(b) of the Ordinance.
- (3)
- The restrictions on making documents available for inspection contained in section 89(1) shall apply equally to the supply by the Registrar under this section of copies of or extracts from such documents or requests as are referred to in section 89(1) , and nothing in this rule shall be construed as imposing upon the Registrar the duty of supplying copies of or extracts from any document or file of a description referred to in section 89(2).
Legislative Texts
Section 52
�Order or direction by court
�
Where any order or direction has been made or given by the court
(a) | transferring a patent or application or any right in or under it to any person; |
(b) | that an application should proceed in the name of any person; |
(c) | allowing the proprietor of a patent to amend the specification; or |
(d) | revoking a patent, |
the person in whose favour the order is made or the direction is given
- (i) �
- shall send to the Registrar written notice of the order or direction accompanied by a sealed copy of the order or direction; and
- (ii) �
- if the Registrar so requires and before a time fixed by him, shall file a specification as amended prepared in accordance with section 12 ,
and upon compliance with paragraphs (i) and (ii) the specification shall be amended or the register shall be rectified or altered, as the case may require.
PART VI EMPLOYEES’ INVENTIONS
Section 53 Time limit for application under section 58 of the Ordinance
- (1)
- Subject to subsection (2) , the period prescribed for the purposes of section 58(1) and (2) of the Ordinance shall be that period which begins when the relevant patent is granted and expires one year after the relevant patent has ceased to have effect.
- (2)
- Where a patent has ceased to have effect by reason of a failure to pay any renewal fee within the period prescribed for the payment of that fee and an application for restoration is made under section 40 or 127 of the Ordinance, then
- (a) �
- if restoration is ordered, the period specified in subsection (1) shall continue as if the patent had remained continuously in effect; or
- (b) �
- if restoration is refused, the period specified in subsection (1) shall be treated as expiring one year after the patent ceased to have effect or 6 months after the refusal, whichever is the later.
PART VII REVOCATION OF PATENTS
Section 54
�Opposition or revocation proceedings in the designated patent office for the
�purposes of section 91(1)(i) of the Ordinance
�
Legislative Texts
The following opposition or revocation proceedings are prescribed for the purposes of section 91(1)(i) of the Ordinance
- (a) �
- in the Chinese Patent Office, any post-grant revocation proceedings under or in accordance with Articles 41 to 44 of the Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China and Rules 55 to 63 of the Implementing Regulations of the Patent Law of the People’s Republic of China;
- (b) �
- in the European Patent Office, any post-grant opposition proceedings under or in accordance with Part V of the European Patent Convention.
PART VIII
�LANGUAGE OF PROCEEDINGS; AUTHENTIC TEXT
�
Section 56
�The language of proceedings before the Registrar
�
- (1)
- Except as expressly provided in these Rules, where any document or part of a document which is not in one of the official languages is filed with the Registrar or sent to the registry in pursuance of the Ordinance or these Rules, it shall contain a translation into the language of the proceedings, such translation to be certified to the satisfaction of the Registrar as corresponding to the original text.
- (2)
- For the purposes of sections 15(3) , 23(4) and 113(3) of the Ordinance and sections 8 , 19 and 58 of these Rules
- (a) �
- the title of the invention and the abstract, if in one of the official languages, shall contain a translation into the other official language;
- (b) �
- the title of the invention and the abstract, if not in one of the official languages, shall contain a translation into both official languages;
- (c) �
- the names of the applicant and inventor, if not in the Roman alphabet, shall contain a transliteration of the same in the Roman alphabet.
- (3)
- For the purposes of sections 15(2)(d) , 23(3)(b) and 113(2)(c) of the Ordinance, if any documents supporting the respective statements under sections 15(2)(d) , 23(3)(b) and 113(2)(c) of the Ordinance are not in one of the official languages, they shall contain a translation into the language of the proceedings.
- (4)
- A translation into the language of the proceedings or into one of the official languages of the designated patent application as referred to in section 15(2)(a) of the Ordinance will not be required.
- (5)
- A translation into the language of the proceedings or into one of the official languages of the published specification of the designated patent as referred to in section 23(3)(a) of the Ordinance will not be required.
- (6)
- Any party in oral proceedings before the Registrar, or any witness or expert called by any such party to give evidence in such proceedings, may use in those proceedings a language other than the language of the proceedings if, and only if
(a) �the party gives to the Registrar and any other party notice of his intention to do this, and of the language he proposes to use, not less than 14 days before the date laid down for the oral proceedings;
Legislative Texts
- (b) �
- the party makes such provision for interpretation into the language of the proceedings as the Registrar may require;
- (c) �
- the party complies with any requirement as the Registrar may specify as to interpretation of the oral proceedings into the other official language and as to the expenses of that interpretation.
- (7)
- Subject to the consent of the parties concerned, the Registrar may in any proceedings before him, on such terms as he thinks fit, give directions relating to the use of the official language that is not the language of the proceedings.
- (8)
- The Registrar may, in respect of any document to be used for the purposes of evidence in proceedings before the Registrar and which is in a language other than the language of the proceedings, give directions as to—
- (a) �
- the filing of the document in that other language;
- (b) �
- the filing of a translation of the document into the language of the proceedings.
- (9)
- The Registrar may specify periods within which any translation of a document is to be filed or within which information in the official languages is to be provided; and the Registrar may, upon application by a party to the proceedings, extend such periods as he may think fit subject to the payment of a penalty fee.
- (10)
- The Registrar may, on the request of the applicant or proprietor, if he is satisfied that there is good reason for such request, direct that the official language which is not being used as the language of the proceedings for the purposes of section 104 of the Ordinance shall become and shall be used as the language of the proceedings, and his direction shall have effect accordingly.
Section 57 Filing of corrected translation under section 106(3) of the Ordinance
- (1)
- Section 12 shall apply in relation to a corrected translation filed under section 106(3) of the Ordinance as it applies in relation to the documents making up a request to record.
- (2)
- Payment of the fee prescribed for the purposes of section 106(3) of the Ordinance in connection with the publication of the corrected translation shall be made by filing a request for publication in the specified form accompanied by the fee.
- (3)
- The period prescribed for payment of the prescribed fee for the purposes of section 106(3) of the Ordinance shall be 14 days from the day on which the corrected translation is filed.
PART IX
�APPLICATIONS FOR SHORT-TERM PATENTS
�
Section 58
Applications for the grant of short-term patents under section 113 of the
Ordinance
(1) An application for the grant of a short-term patent made under section 113 or 125 of the Ordinance shall be in the specified form.
Legislative Texts
(2) The specification contained in an application for a short-term patent shall state the title of the invention and continue with the description and the claim or claims and drawings, if any, in that order.
- (3)
- The title shall be short and indicate the matter to which the invention relates.
- (4)
- The description shall include a list briefly describing the figures in the drawings, if any.
- (5)
- The application for the grant of a short-term patent shall contain
- (a) �
- a search report as prescribed in section 72 ;
- (b) �
- the designation of the classification of the invention according to the International Patent Classification up to the subclass level or such other level as the Registrar may specify;
- (c) �
- in the case of an applicant claiming priority of a previous application under section 111 of the Ordinance, a statement of priority as prescribed by section 69 and a verified copy of the previous application;
- (d) �
- any request for deferral of the grant of a patent for a specified period under section 119 of the Ordinance;
- (e) �
- in the case of a claim regarding non-prejudicial disclosure of the invention as referred to in section 109(a) of the Ordinance, a statement to the effect that the invention has been displayed in accordance with that paragraph together with written evidence in support of the statement.
- (f) �
- any statement required by section 109 of the Ordinance in relation to non-prejudicial disclosure of the invention referred to in paragraph (b) of that section, together with written evidence in support of the statement as prescribed in section 70 of these Rules;
- (g) �
- the name and address of the inventor or inventors;
- (h) �
- a list of the documents comprising the application and an indication of the number of sheets of each such document.
Section 59
�Description
�
- (1)
- The description shall
- (a) �
- specify the technical field to which the invention relates;
- (b) �
- indicate the background art which, as far as known to the applicant, can be regarded as useful for understanding the invention and, preferably, cite the documents reflecting such art;
- (c) �
- disclose the invention, as claimed, in such terms that the technical problem (even if not expressly stated as such) and its solution can be understood, and state any advantageous effects of the invention with reference to the background art;
- (d) �
- briefly describe the figures in the drawings, if any;
- (e) �
- describe in detail at least one way of carrying out the invention claimed using examples where appropriate and referring to the drawings, if any;
- (f) �
- indicate explicitly, when it is not obvious from the description or nature of the invention, the way in which the invention is capable of exploitation in industry.
Legislative Texts
(2) The description shall be presented in the manner and order specified in subsection (1) , unless because of the nature of the invention, a different manner or a different order would afford a better understanding and a more economic presentation.
Section 60
�Drawings
�
(1)(a) Drawings forming part of an application for a short-term patent shall be on sheets the usable service area of which shall not exceed 26.2 cm x 17 cm.
- (b) �
- The sheets shall not contain frames round the usable or used surface.
- (c) �
- The minimum margins shall be as follows-
top 2.5 cm
�left side 2.5 cm
�right side 1.5 cm
�bottom 1.0 cm
� - (2)
- Drawings shall be executed as follows
- (a) �
- without colouring in durable, black, sufficiently dense and dark, uniformly thick and well-defined lines and strokes to permit satisfactory reproduction;
- (b) �
- cross-sections shall be indicated by hatching which does not impede the clear reading of the reference signs and leading lines;
- (c) �
- the scale of the drawings and the distinctness of their graphical execution shall be such that a photographic reproduction with a linear reduction in size to two-thirds would enable all details to be distinguished without difficulty; and that if, as an exception, the scale is given on a drawing, it shall be represented graphically;
- (d) �
- all numbers, letters, and reference signs, appearing on the drawing shall be simple and clear and brackets, circles and inverted commas shall not be used in association with numbers, letters and characters;
- (e) �
- all lines in the drawings shall, ordinarily, be drawn with the aid of drafting instruments;
- (f) �
- elements of the same figure shall be in proportion to each other, unless a difference in proportion is indispensable for the clarity of the figure;
- (g) �
- the height of the numbers, letters and characters shall be not less than 0.32 cm and for the lettering of drawings, the Latin and, where customary, the Greek alphabets or Chinese characters, as appropriate, shall be used;
- (h) �
- where the same sheet of drawings contains several figures, the different figures shall be arranged without wasting space, clearly separated from one another; and the different figures shall be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals, independently of the numbering of the sheets;
- (i) �
- where figures drawn on 2 or more sheets are intended to form one whole figure, the figures on the several sheets shall be so arranged that the whole figure can be assembled without concealing any part of the partial figures;
- (j) �
- reference signs not mentioned in the description and claims shall not appear in the drawings, and vice versa; and the same features, when denoted by reference signs, shall, throughout the application, be denoted by the same signs;
Legislative Texts
- (k) �
- the drawings shall not contain textual matter, except, when required for the understanding of the drawings, a single word or words such as, “water”, “steam”, “open”, “close”, “section on AA” or the equivalent Chinese characters, as appropriate, and, in the case of electric circuits and block schematic or flow sheet diagrams, a few short catchwords or the equivalent Chinese characters, as appropriate, indispensable for understanding; and any such words or characters shall be placed in such a way that, if required, they can be replaced by their translations without interfering with any lines of the drawings;
- (i) �
- the sheets of the drawings shall be numbered in accordance with section 62 .
(3) Flow sheets and diagrams shall be considered to be drawings for the purposes of these Rules.
Section 61
�The abstract
�
(1) The abstract shall commence with a title for the invention.
- (2)
- The abstract shall contain a concise summary of the matter contained in the specification; the summary shall indicate the technical field to which the invention belongs and be drafted in a way which allows a clear understanding of the technical problem to which the invention relates, the gist of the solution to that problem through the invention and the principal use or uses of the invention; where appropriate, the abstract shall also contain the chemical formula which, among those contained in the specification, best characterizes the invention; and the abstract shall not contain statements on the alleged merits or value of the invention or on its speculative application.
- (3)
- The abstract shall normally not contain more than 150 words or 200 Chinese characters as appropriate;
- (4)
- If the specification contains any drawings, the applicant shall indicate on the abstract the figure or, exceptionally, the figures of the drawings which he suggests should accompany the abstract when published; the Registrar may decide to publish one or more other figures if he consider that they better characterize the invention; and each main feature mentioned in the abstract and illustrated by a drawing shall be followed by the reference sign used in that drawing, placed between parentheses.
Section 62
�Size and presentation of documents
�
- (1)
- All documents making up an application for a short-term patent shall be so presented as to permit of
- (a) �
- direct reproduction by photography, photocopying processes, photo offset and microfilming, in an unlimited number of copies; and
- (b) �
- the scanning of the document by a device capable of capturing an image of the document and converting that image into a form suitable for storing on and retrieval by a computer.
- (2)
- All sheets of the documents making up an application shall be free from cracks, creases and folds; and only one side of the sheet shall be used.
- (3)
- All documents shall be on A4 paper (29.7 cm x 21 cm) which shall be pliable, strong, white, smooth, matt and durable.
Legislative Texts
(4) Each of the documents shall commence on a new sheet and the sheets shall be connected in such a way that they can easily be turned over, separated and joined together again.
(5) Subject to section 60(1) , the minimum margins shall be as follows-
top 2.0 cm
�left side 2.5 cm
�right side 2.0 cm
�bottom 2.0 cm
�
and the recommended maximum for the margins quoted above is as follows-top 4.0 cm left side 4.0 cm right side 3.0 cm bottom 3.0 cm
(6) The margins of each of the documents, when submitted, must be completely blank.
- (7)
- All the sheets contained in the documents shall be numbered in consecutive Arabic numerals and such numbering shall be placed at the top of the sheet, in the middle, but not in the top margin.
- (8)
- Every document (other than drawings) shall be typed or printed in a dark, indelible colour in at least 1 1/2 line spacing and in characters of which the capital letters, where appropriate, are not less than 0.21 cm height, except that
- (a) �
- documents comprising the minimum requirements under section 114(1) of the Ordinance may be completed in writing; and
- (b) �
- graphic symbols and characters and chemical and mathematical formulae may be written or drawn, in a dark indelible colour.
- (9)
- (a) The description, the claims and the abstract shall not contain drawings.
- (b) �
- The description, the claims and the abstract may contain chemical or mathematical formulae.
- (c) �
- The description and the abstract may contain tables; the claims may contain tables only if their subject-matter makes the use of tables desirable.
- (d) �
- Tables and chemical or mathematical formulae may be placed sideways on the sheet if they cannot be presented satisfactorily in an upright position on the sheet; sheets on which tables or chemical or mathematical formulae are presented sideways shall be so presented that the top of the tables or formulae are at the left side of the sheet.
- (10)
- In all documents
- (a) �
- weights and measures shall be expressed in metric units or, if expressed in different units, shall also be expressed in metric units as well;
- (b) �
- the other physical values shall be expressed in the units recognized in international practice;
- (c) �
- in stating mathematical or chemical formulae, the symbols, atomic weights and molecular formulae in general use shall be employed; and
- (d) �
- in general, use should be made of technical terms, signs and symbols generally accepted in the field in question.
Legislative Texts
- (11)
- If a formula or symbol is used in the specification, a copy of the specification, prepared in the same manner as drawings, shall be furnished if the Registrar so directs. (12) The terminology and the signs shall be consistent throughout the application.
- (13)
- All documents shall be reasonably free from deletions and other alterations overwritings and interlineations and shall, in any event, be legible.
- (14)
- The Registrar may exempt any document from compliance with any of the provisions of this section or section 60 if the authenticity of the content is not in question and the requirements for good reproduction are not in jeopardy, or in such other circumstances as he may think fit.
- (15)
- Regardless of any exemption granted under subsection (14) , in the case of an application for a short-term patent based on an international application under section 125 of the Ordinance, the documents comprising the international application shall be taken as complying with this rule.
Section 63
�Form of statements, counter-statements and evidence
�
Any statement, counter-statement or evidence filed shall, unless the Registrar otherwise directs, comply with the requirements of section 62(1) and (3) , except that both sides of the sheet may be used in the case of statutory declarations and evidence.
Section 64
�Claims
�
- (1)
- The claims shall define the matter for which protection is sought in terms of the technical features of the invention and, wherever appropriate, claims shall contain
- (a) �
- a statement indicating the designation of the subject-matter of the invention and those technical features which are necessary for the definition of the claimed subject-matter but which, in combination, are part of the prior art;
- (b) �
- a characterizing portion, preceded by the expression “characterized in that” or “characterized by” or the equivalent Chinese characters, as appropriate, stating the technical features which, in combination with the features stated in paragraph (a) , it is desired to protect.
- (2)
- An independent claim stating the essential features of an invention may be followed by one or more dependent claims concerning particular embodiments of that invention.
- (3)
- (a) Any claim which includes all these features of any other claim (“dependent claim”) shall contain, if possible at the beginning, a reference to the other claim and shall then state the additional features which it is desired to protect.
- (b) �
- A dependent claim shall also be admissible where the claim it directly refers to is itself a dependent claim.
- (c) �
- All dependent claims referring back to a single previous claim, and all dependent claims referring back to several previous claims, shall be grouped together to the extent and in the most appropriate way.
- (4)
- The number of the claims shall be reasonable in consideration of the nature of the invention claimed; and if there are several claims, they shall be numbered consecutively in Arabic numerals.
Legislative Texts
- (5)
- Claims shall not, except where absolutely necessary, rely, in respect of the technical features of the invention, on references to the description or drawings; and in particular, they shall not rely on such references as “as described in part … of the description”, or “as illustrated in figure … of the drawings” or the equivalent Chinese characters, as appropriate.
- (6)
- If the application contains drawings, the technical features mentioned in the claims shall preferably, if the intelligibility of the claim can thereby be increased, be followed by reference signs relating to these features and placed between parentheses; and these reference signs shall not be construed as limiting the claim.
Section 65
�Procedure where applicant is not the inventor or sole inventor
�
Where the applicant or applicants are not the inventor or inventors
- (a) �
- the statement required by section 113(2)(c) of the Ordinance shall be in the specified form; and
- (b) �
- a sufficient number of copies of the statement shall be filed by the applicant or applicants to enable the Registrar to send one to each inventor who is not one of the applicants.
Section 66
�Issue of receipt by Registrar
�
On first receipt of any of the documents comprising an application for a short-term patent, the Registrar shall
- (a) �
- mark the documents with the date of their receipt by him;
- (b) �
- assign an application number to the application; and
- (c) �
- issue to the applicant a receipt which shows an application number, the nature and number of the documents received and the date of their receipt.
Section 67
Communication following examination on filing under section 114 of the
Ordinance
- (1)
- If a short-term patent application fails to meet any of the minimum requirements specified in section 114(2) of the Ordinance, the Registrar shall communicate the disclosed deficiencies to the applicant and inform him that his application for a short-term patent shall not be dealt with as an application for a short-term patent unless he remedies the disclosed deficiencies within 1 month from the date of the communication.
- (2)
- If the applicant remedies the disclosed deficiencies within that period, the Registrar shall inform him of the date of filing accorded to the short-term patent application.
Section 68
�Rectification of deficiencies in short-term patent applications
�
(1) If the examination provided for in section 115(1) of the Ordinance reveals deficiencies in the short-term patent application, the Registrar shall inform the applicant by notice accordingly and
Legislative Texts
shall invite him to remedy the deficiencies within a period of 2 months from the date of such notice; except that in the case of an applicant claiming priority of a previous application under section 111 of the Ordinance where the deficiency in the short-term patent application is the failure to file a verified copy of the previous application together with a translation of that application (as the case may require under section 69 of these Rules), the Registrar shall specify a period of not less than 3 months from the date of filing of the subsequent application within which the applicant may remedy the deficiencies.
- (2)
- The Registrar may, upon request by the applicant presented before the expiry of such period and payment of the prescribed fee, grant an extension of that period for a further 2 months.
- (3)
- If in any particular case the Registrar is satisfied that the applicant’s failure to remedy the deficiencies within the period allowed under subsection (1) or (2) was wholly or mainly attributable to
- (a) �
- a failure or undue delay in the postal services in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office; or
- (b) �
- any natural disaster or strike in Hong Kong or in the country, territory or area of the designated patent office, the Registrar may grant such further extension of that period, not exceeding 2 months, as he considers reasonable.
- (4)
- Where
- (a) �
- an application for a short-term patent includes a request for deferral of grant of the patent under section 119 of the Ordinance; and
- (b) �
- the only deficiency in the short-term patent application at the expiry of periods specified in subsections (1) , (2) and (3) (as may be applicable) is the failure to file a search report under section 113(1)(d) of the Ordinance, the applicant may request an extension of time for filing the search report to a date not later than 1 month prior to the expiry of the deferred date of grant of the patent. (L.N. 402 of 1997)
- (5)
- If the only deficiency in the short-term patent application after the expiry of the periods specified in subsections (1) , (2) and (3) (as may be applicable) is the failure to file a translation of the title of invention or abstract as referred to in section 56(2)(a) and (b) or a transliteration of the names of the applicant or inventor as referred to in section 56(2)(c) , the Registrar may, on the request of the applicant, allow for a specified period within which the applicant may make good that deficiency on the payment of a penalty fee.
- (6)
- If the filing fee or advertisement fee has not been paid within the time limit provided for in section 113(5) of the Ordinance, it may still be validly paid within a period of grace of 1 month of notification of a communication pointing out the failure to observe the time limit if, and only if, within this period an additional fee is paid.
Section 69
�Claiming priority under section 111 of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- A statement of priority for the purposes of section 111 of the Ordinance shall be made at the time of filing the application for a short-term patent and shall state the date of filing and the application number of any application specified in the statement and the country, territory or area in or for which the application was made.
- (2)
- In the case of a new application filed under section 116 of the Ordinance, no statement of priority shall be made which has not also been made in the earlier application.
Legislative Texts
- (3)
- The copy of the previous application as referred to in section 111(1) of the Ordinance shall
- (a) �
- be verified as a correct copy of the previous application by the authority which received that application, or otherwise verified to the satisfaction of the Registrar; and
- (b) �
- be accompanied by a certificate issued by that authority stating the date of filing of the previous application.
- (4)
- If the previous application is not in one of the official languages, it shall be accompanied by a translation in accordance with section 56 , except that the Registrar shall accept as satisfying the requirements of section 56 a translation of the title of the invention, the claims and the filing date together with a transliteration of the name of the applicant into the Roman alphabet.
- (5)
- Where the previous application is an application under the Ordinance, the applicant may, instead of filing a verified copy of the previous application, request the Registrar to include such a copy with the patent application upon payment of the prescribed fee.
Section 70
Claim regarding non-prejudicial disclosure under section 109(b) of the
Ordinance
The following written evidence is prescribed for the purposes of section 109 of the Ordinance in relation to non-prejudicial disclosure as provided for under paragraph (b) of that section
- (a) �
- a certificate, issued at the exhibition by the authority responsible for holding the exhibition, stating
- (i) �
- that the invention was in fact exhibited there;
- (ii) �
- the opening date of the exhibition and, where the first disclosure of the invention did not take place on the opening date, the date of the first disclosure;
- (b) �
- an identification of the invention, duly authenticated by the authority.
Section 71
�Searching authority
�
The following searching authorities are prescribed for the purposes of section 113(8)(a) of the Ordinance
- (a) �
- the International Searching Authorities appointed under Article 16 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty;
- (b) �
- the patent offices designated for the purposes of the Ordinance under section 8 of the Ordinance.
Section 72
�Contents of the search report
�
A search report shall
- (a) �
- identify by name the searching authority which prepared the report;
- (b) �
- be dated and shall indicate the date on which the search was actually completed;
Legislative Texts
(c) | contain the classification of the subject-matter according to the International Patent |
Classification; | |
(d) | contain the citations of the documents considered to be relevant; |
(e) | list the classification identification of the fields searched; |
(f) | contain the name of the officer of the searching authority responsible for the report. |
Section 73 |
Requirements concerning applications relating to micro-organisms under section 128 of the Ordinance
Schedule 1 shall have effect in relation to applications for short-term patents which require for their performance the use of micro-organisms.
Section 74 Divisional short-term patent application under section 116 of the Ordinance
- (1)
- Subject to section 122 of the Ordinance, a new short-term patent application within the meaning of section 116 of the Ordinance, may be filed at any time after the filing of the earlier application, except that a new application may not be filed after the earlier application has been refused, is withdrawn, or is deemed to be withdrawn.
- (2)
- Where possible, the description and drawings of the earlier application and the new application shall relate only to the matter for which protection is sought by each such application; however, where it is necessary for an application to describe the matter for which protection is sought by reference to another application, such reference shall include the application number of that other application and shall indicate the matter for which protection is claimed in the other application.
PART X
�PROCEDURE UP TO AND INCLUDING GRANT OF SHORTTERM PATENTS
�
Section 75
�Amendment of application for short-term patent under section 120 of the
�Ordinance
�
- (1)
- Subject to section 45(3) , an application under section 120 of the Ordinance for amendment of an application for a short-term patent shall be in the specified form, shall clearly identify the proposed amendment and shall state the reasons for it.
- (2)
- Where any amendment is proposed to be made to the description, claims or drawings, the Registrar may, if he thinks fit, require the filing, within the time specified by the Registrar, of a new specification or drawings as amended, which shall be prepared in accordance with sections 59 , 60 , 61 , 62 and 64 .
Legislative Texts
Section 76
�
Notice requesting reinstatement of an application for a short-term patent under
�
section 123 of the Ordinance
A notice under section 123 of the Ordinance requesting reinstatement of an application for a short-term patent shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by the additional prescribed fee.
Section 77
�Application for restoration of rights in relation to an application for a short-
term patent under section 123 of the Ordinance
�
An application under section 123 of the Ordinance for restoration of rights lost in relation to an application for a short-term patent shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by the additional prescribed fee.
Section 78
�Short-term patent application based on international application under section
�125 of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- The other date as referred to in section 125(2) of the Ordinance is any date within 6 months after the date of the issuance of the National Application Notification by the Chinese Patent Office.
- (2)
- An application made within the date specified in subsection (1) shall be accompanied by the copy of the National Application Notification.
PART XI
�PROVISIONS AS TO SHORT-TERM PATENTS AFTER GRANT
�
Section 79
�Renewal of short-term patents
�
- (1)
- Payment of the renewal fee prescribed for the purposes of section 126(2) or (3) of the Ordinance shall be made by filing a request for renewal in the specified form accompanied by the renewal fee.
- (2)
- On receipt of the request for renewal duly completed and renewal fee, the Registrar shall issue a confirmation of payment.
- (3)
- Where the period for payment of a renewal fee pursuant to section 126(2) or (3) of the Ordinance has expired, the Registrar shall, not later than 6 weeks after the last date for payment under that section and if the fee still remains unpaid, send to the proprietor of the short-term patent a notice reminding him that payment is overdue and of the consequences of non-payment.
- (4)
- Notice to a proprietor under subsection (3) shall be sent to
- (a)
- any address in Hong Kong notified by the proprietor for that purpose; or
- (b)
- if no address has been so notified, the address for service entered in the register.
Legislative Texts
(5) The late payment of a renewal fee in the manner provided for in section 126(5) of the Ordinance shall be made by filing a request for renewal in the specified form accompanied by the renewal fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of that subsection.
Section 80
�Notification of lapsed short-term patent
�
Where
- (a) �
- a short-term patent has ceased to have effect because a renewal fee has not been paid within the period prescribed for the purposes of section 126(2) or (3) of the Ordinance; and
- (b) �
- the extended period specified in section 126(5) of the Ordinance has expired without the renewal and prescribed additional fee under that subsection having been paid,
the Registrar shall, within 6 weeks after the expiration of the extended period, notify the proprietor of the short-term patent of the fact and draw his attention to the provisions of section 127 of the Ordinance.
Section 81
�Restoration of lapsed short-term patents under section 127 of the Ordinance
�
Section 34 shall apply to short-term patents, with necessary modification, as if reference in that section to a standard patent was a reference to a short-term patent and reference to section 40 of the Ordinance was reference to that section as applied by section 127o f the Ordinance.
PART XII
�HEARINGS AND AGENTS
�
Section 82
�Registrar’s discretionary powers
�
- (1)
- Before exercising adversely to any person any discretionary power given to the Registrar by the Ordinance or these Rules the Registrar shall, if so required by the person who would be so affected, hear him on the subject.
- (2)
- A request under subsection (1) for a hearing shall be filed within 1 month from the date on which the person filing the request receives notice sent by the Registrar of any objection to an application or of any other proposal to exercise a discretionary power.
- (3)
- Upon receipt of a request filed under subsection (2) the Registrar shall send to the person making the request notice of a time when he may be heard, which shall be not less than 10 days after the date of receipt of the notice by that person.
- (4)
- In inter partes proceedings, any party who intends to refer at the hearing to any document not already mentioned in the proceedings shall, unless the Registrar consents and the other party agrees, give at least 10 days notice of his intention with details of, or a copy of, the document to the Registrar and the other party.
Legislative Texts
(5) After hearing any party or parties desiring to be heard, the Registrar shall decide the matter and shall notify all parties of his decision and, if any party so desires, shall give his reasons for the decision.
Section 83
�Hearings in public
�
- (1)
- Subject to subsection (2)
- (a) �
- any hearing before the Registrar of any dispute between 2 or more parties relating to any matter in connection with a patent; and
- (b) �
- any such hearing in connection with an application for a standard patent which takes place after the publication of the request to record in accordance with section 20 of the Ordinance,
shall be held in public.
(2) After consulting those parties to the dispute who appear in person or are represented at a hearing to which subsection (1) applies, the Registrar may direct that the hearing be not held in public.
Section 84 Signature of documents by partnerships, companies and associations
- (1)
- A document signed for or on behalf of a firm shall be signed by its partners, by any partner stating that he signs on behalf of the firm or by any other person who satisfies the Registrar that he is authorized to sign the document.
- (2)
- A document signed for or on behalf of a body corporate shall be signed by a director or the secretary or other principal officer of the body or by any other person who satisfies the Registrar that he is authorized to sign the document.
- (3)
- A document signed for or on behalf of an unincorporated body or association of persons other than a firm may be signed by any person who satisfies the Registrar that he is authorized to sign the document.
Section 85
�Agents
�
- (1)
- Except as otherwise required by these Rules, but without prejudice to section 84 , any act required or permitted to be done under the Ordinance or these rules by or to any person may be done by or to an agent authorized by that person.
- (2)
- In any particular case the Registrar may require the personal signature or presence of any person.
- (3)
- The Registrar may by notice in writing sent to an agent require him to produce evidence of his authority.
- (4)
- Where, after a person has become a party to proceedings before the Registrar, he appoints an agent for the first time or appoints one agent in substitution for another, the newly appointed agent shall, on or before the first occasion on which he acts as agent, notify the Registrar of such appointment by filing a notice in the specified form.
Legislative Texts
(5) The Registrar shall not be bound to recognize as such agent any person who has been convicted criminally or struck off the roll of solicitors or the roll of barristers kept under the Legal Practitioners Ordinance (Cap 159) or (during the term of his suspension) any person who has been suspended from acting as a solicitor or barrister.
Section 86
Award of costs in proceedings before Registrar under section 49 of the
Ordinance
If, in proceedings before the Registrar under section 49 of the Ordinance, the proprietor of a patent offers to surrender it under section 48 of the Ordinance, the Registrar shall, in deciding whether costs should be awarded to the person referring the question as to whether an invention is a patentable invention, consider whether proceedings might have been avoided if the person referring the question had given reasonable notice to the proprietor before the question was referred.
Section 87
�Security for costs
�
If any of the following persons, that is to say
- (a) �
- any person by whom a reference is made to the Registrar under section 13 of the Ordinance;
- (b) �
- any person who has referred to the Registrar under section 49 of the Ordinance the question as to whether an invention is a patentable invention;
- (c) �
- any person by whom notice of opposition is given to the Registrar under section 48(2) or 146(2) of the Ordinance,
neither resides nor carries on business in Hong Kong, the Registrar may require him to give security for the costs or expenses of the proceedings and in default of such security being given may treat the reference, application or notice as abandoned.
PART XIII
�INFORMATION AND INSPECTION
�
Section 88
�Request for information under section 147 of the Ordinance
�
- (1)
- A request under section 147 of the Ordinance
- (a) �
- for information relating to any standard patent or standard patent application, may be made as to
- (i) �
- when a request to record has been published;
- (ii) �
- when a standard patent has been granted;
(iii) �in the case of an application for a standard patent which has been published, when an application has been withdrawn, is deemed to have been withdrawn or has been refused;
Legislative Texts
- (iv) �
- whether a maintenance fee has not been paid within the period specified in section 33(2) of the Ordinance;
- (v) �
- when a maintenance fee has been paid within the further period specified in section 33(4) of the Ordinance;
- (vi) �
- whether a renewal fee has not been paid within the period specified in section 39(2) of the Ordinance;
(vii) �when a renewal fee has been paid within the further period specified in y of the Ordinance;
- (b)
- for information relating to the grant of any short-term patent, may be made as to
- (i) �
- when a short-term patent has been granted;
- (ii) �
- whether a renewal fee has not been paid within the period specified in section 126(2) or (3) of the Ordinance;
- (c)
- for information relating to any patent or patent application, may be made as to
- (i) �
- when a patent has ceased to have effect or when an application for restoration of a patent has been filed, or both;
- (ii) �
- when an entry has been made in the register or an application has been made for the making of such entry;
(iii) �when any application or request is made or action taken involving an entry in the register or advertisement in the Gazette, if the nature of the application, request or action is specified in the request; and
(iv) �when any document may be inspected in accordance with section 89 or 90 .
(2) Any such request shall be in the specified form and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
Section 89
�Restriction on inspection of documents under section 147 of the Ordinance
�
(1) The following restrictions are prescribed for the purposes of section 147(1) of the Ordinance in relation to the giving of information or the inspection of documents
- (a) �
- no document shall be open to inspection until 14 days after it has been filed at the registry;
- (b) �
- documents prepared in the registry solely for use in the registry shall not be open to inspection;
- (c) �
- any document sent to the registry, at its request or otherwise, for inspection and subsequent return to the sender, shall not be open to inspection;
- (d) �
- no request made under section 49 , 50(2) , 51(2) or 88 or section 147 of the Ordinance shall be open to inspection;
- (e) �
- documents in respect of which the Registrar issues directions under section 90 that they are to be treated as confidential shall not be open to inspection, except as permitted in accordance with that section; and
Legislative Texts
(f) �any documents issued by the registry which the Registrar considers should be treated as confidential shall not be open to inspection unless the Registrar otherwise directs.
(2) Nothing in section 147 of the Ordinance shall be construed as imposing on the Registrar any duty of making available for public inspection, any document or any part of a document
- (a) �
- which in his opinion disparages any person in a way likely to damage him; or
- (b) �
- the publication or exploitation of which would in his opinion be generally expected to encourage offensive, immoral or anti-social behaviour.
Section 90
�Confidential documents
�
- (1)
- A person filing with, or sending to, the Registrar, a document other than a document for which a form has been specified under section 150 of the Ordinance, or any party to any proceedings to which the document relates, may, within 14 days of the filing or sending of the document, request the Registrar (giving reasons for the request) to direct that the document or any part of it specified by him be treated as confidential, and the Registrar may, at his discretion, so direct; and while the request is being considered by the Registrar, that document or part of the document (in this section referred to as the relevant document) shall not be open to public inspection.
- (2)
- Where such a direction has been given and not withdrawn, nothing in this rule shall be taken to authorize or require any person to be allowed to inspect the relevant document to which the direction relates except by leave of the Registrar.
- (3)
- The Registrar shall not withdraw any direction given under this section, nor shall he give leave for any person to inspect any relevant document to which a direction which has not been withdrawn relates, without prior consultation with the person at whose request the direction was given, unless the Registrar is satisfied that such prior consultation is not reasonably practicable.
- (4)
- Where such a direction is given or withdrawn a record of the fact shall be filed with the relevant document to which it relates.
- (5)
- Where the period referred to in subsection (1) is extended under section 100 , the relevant document shall not be, or, if the period is extended after it has expired, shall cease to be, open to public inspection until the expiry of the extended period, and if a request for a direction is made the relevant document shall not be open to public inspection while the matter is being determined by the Registrar.
Section 91
�Bibliographic information for purposes of section 147(3) of the Ordinance
�
The following bibliographic information is prescribed for the purposes of section 147(3) of the Ordinance
- (a) �
- the number of the application;
- (b) �
- the date of filing of the application and, where a statement has been made under section 111(1) of the Ordinance, the filing date, country and application number when available of each application referred to in that statement;
- (c) �
- the name of the applicant or applicants;
- (d) �
- the title of the invention;
Legislative Texts
(e) | if the application has been withdrawn, is deemed to have been withdrawn or has been refused, that fact; and |
(f) | an alteration of name of the applicant or applicants under section 45. |
Section 92 |
Request for information where section 147(4) or (5) of the Ordinance applies
- (1)
- Where the circumstances specified in section 147(4) or (5) of the Ordinance exist, a request under section 147(1) of the Ordinance shall be accompanied by a statutory declaration verifying their existence and such documentary evidence (if any) supporting the request as the Registrar may require.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the request, the declaration and the evidence (if any) to the applicant for the patent and shall not comply with the request until the expiry of 14 days after that.
PART XIV MISCELLANEOUS
Section 93 Service of documents
- (1)
- Any notice, application or other document authorized or required by the Ordinance or these Rules to be filed with any person or filed at any place, or sent to any person or place, may be sent through the post, and the service and filing shall be deemed to be effected by properly addressing, preparing and posting a letter containing the document, and, unless the contrary is proved, shall be deemed to have been effected at the time at which the letter would be delivered in the ordinary course of post.
- (2)
- The Registrar may at his discretion permit, as an alternative to the sending by post or delivery, the filing or sending of a notice, application or other document in legible form by electronic means subject to such terms or conditions as he may specify either generally by notice published in the Gazette or in any particular case by written notice to the person desiring to file any the document by such means.
Section 94 Correction of irregularities
(1) Subject to subsection (2) , any document filed in any proceedings before the Registrar may, if he thinks fit, be amended, and any irregularity in procedure in or before the registry may be rectified, on such terms as he may direct.
- (2)
- In the case of an irregularity or prospective irregularity
- (a) �
- which consists of a failure to comply with any limitation as to times or periods prescribed in these Rules which has occurred, or appears to the Registrar is likely to occur in the absence of a direction under this section;
- (b) �
- which is attributable wholly or in part to an error, default or omission on the part of the registry; and
Legislative Texts
(c) �which it appears to be Registrar should be rectified,
the Registrar may direct that the time or period in question shall be altered but not otherwise.
(3) Subsection (2) is without prejudice to the Registrar’s power to extend any times or periods under section 100.
Section 95
�Dispensation by Registrar
�
Where, under these Rules, any person is required to do any act or thing, or any document or evidence is required to be produced or filed, and it is shown to the satisfaction of the Registrar that from any reasonable cause that person is unable to do that act or thing, or that document or evidence cannot be produced or filed, the Registrar may, upon the production of such evidence and subject to such terms as he thinks fit, dispense with the doing of any such act or thing, or the production or filing of such document or evidence.
Section 96
�Evidence
�
- (1)
- Where under these Rules evidence may be filed, it shall be by statutory declaration or affidavit.
- (2)
- The Registrar may if he thinks fit in any particular case take oral evidence in lieu of or in addition to such evidence and shall allow any witness to be cross-examined on his affidavit or declaration, unless he directs otherwise.
Section 97
�Statutory declarations and affidavits
�
- (1)
- The statutory declarations or affidavits required by, or used in any proceedings under, the Ordinance shall be made and subscribed as follows
- (a) �
- in Hong Kong, before any justice of the peace, notary public or any commissioner or other officer authorized by law in Hong Kong to administer an oath for the purpose of any legal proceeding;
- (b) �
- in any place outside Hong Kong before any court, judge, justice of the peace, notary public, notary, officer or other person authorized by law to administer an oath or to exercise notarization functions in that place for the purpose of a legal proceeding.
- (2)
- A person signing the declaration or affidavit by virtue of section 84 shall state on the declaration or affidavit the capacity in which he makes the declaration or affidavit. (L.N. 402 of 1997)
- (3)
- Any document purporting to have affixed, impressed or subscribed to or on it the seal or signature of any person authorized by this section to take a declaration or affidavit, in testimony that the declaration or affidavit was made and subscribed before him, may be admitted by the Registrar without proof of the genuineness of the seal or signature or of the official character of the person or his authority to take the declaration or affidavit. (L.N. 402 of 1997)
Section 98
�Directions as to furnishing of documents etc.
�
Legislative Texts
At any stage of any proceedings before the Registrar he may direct that such documents, information or evidence as he may require shall be furnished within such period as he may fix.
Section 99
�Appointment of advisers
�
- (1)
- The Registrar may appoint an adviser to assist him in any proceeding before the Registrar and shall settle the question or instructions to be submitted or given to such adviser.
- (2)
- The Registrar may give directions as to who should be responsible for the payment of the remuneration of the advisers.
Section 100
�Alteration of time limits
�
- (1)
- The times or periods prescribed by these Rules for doing any act or taking any proceeding under the Rules, other than times or periods prescribed in the provisions mentioned in subsection (2) , may be extended by the Registrar if he thinks fit, upon such notice to the parties and upon such terms as he may direct; and such extension may be granted even though the time or period for doing such act or taking such proceeding has expired.
- (2)
- The provisions referred to in subsection (1) are sections 11 , 16 , 17 , 21 , 23 , 24 , 29 , 35(1) , 39(1) , 40(2) , 48(4) , 53 , 57 , 67 , 68 and 69 .
Section 101
�Publication and sale of documents
�
The Registrar may arrange for the publication and sale of copies of specifications and other documents in the registry and of indexes to, and abridgements or abstracts of, such documents.
Section 102
�Verification of documents
�
A verified copy of a document required to be filed with the Registrar under the Ordinance or these Rules shall be deemed to be verified if it is duly certified as a true copy by the person to whose custody the original is committed.
Section 103
�Advertisements in relation to register
�
The Registrar may arrange for the publication and advertisement of such things done under the Ordinance or these Rules in relation to the register as he may think fit.
Section 104
�Fees
�
(1) The fees to be paid in relation to any matter or proceeding under the Ordinance are those specified in Schedule 2 .
(2) Fees shall be paid by such means and in such manner as the Registrar directs.
Legislative Texts
PART XV
�TRANSITIONAL
�
Section 105
�Interpretation (Part XV)
�
In this Part and in Schedule 3 , unless the context otherwise requires
- (a) �
- “Transitional Rules” means the Patents (Transitional Arrangements) Rules made under section 158 of the Ordinance;
- (b) �
- terms used which are also used in the Transitional Rules have the same meaning as in those Rules.
Section 106
�Entries in the register
�
- (1)
- In respect of a standard patent deemed to be granted by virtue of section 3(1) of the Transitional Rules, the details to be entered in the register for the purposes of section 13(2) of those Rules shall include
- (a) �
- the name and address of the applicant or applicants;
- (b) �
- the title of the invention;
- (c) �
- the date of filing and the publication number of the application for the corresponding 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent;
- (d) �
- the date of grant of the corresponding 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent;
- (e) �
- the date of filing of any application under the repealed Ordinance and its application number;
- (f) �
- the date on which the patent was registered under the repealed Ordinance;
- (g) �
- the name and address of the person or persons to whom the standard patent is deemed to be granted as on the commencement date, if different to the name in the entry made in accordance with paragraph (a) ;
- (h) �
- the number assigned by the Registrar to the certificate of registration issued under the repealed Ordinance.
- (2)
- In respect of standard patents granted by virtue of section 6, 8 or 9 of the Transitional Rules, the Registrar shall cause to be entered into the register
- (a) �
- the name and address of the applicant or applicants;
- (b) �
- the name of the person or persons stated by the proprietor as believed to be the inventor or inventors;
- (c) �
- the title of the invention;
- (d) �
- the date of filing and the publication number of the application for the corresponding 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent;
- (e) �
- the date of grant of the corresponding 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent;
- (f) �
- the date of filing of an application for a standard patent and its application number;
Legislative Texts
- (g) �
- the address for service of the proprietor;
- (h) �
- the date of filing and the application number of any application declared for the purposes of section 98 of the Ordinance and the country or territory in or for which the application was made;
- (i) �
- the date on which the patent is granted;
- (j) �
- the name and address of the person or persons to whom the standard patent is granted, if different to the name in the entry made in accordance with paragraph (a) ;
- (k) �
- the address for service, if different to the address in the entry made in accordance with paragraph (g) ;
- (n( �/span> �
- notice of any transaction, instrument or event referred to in section 52(3) of the Ordinance in relation to the patent.
- (3)
- The Registrar may at any time enter in the register such other particulars as he may think fit.
- (4)
- Section 43 of these Rules applies, with necessary modification, in relation to an application for a standard patent made by virtue of section 7 of the Transitional Rules and to a patent granted in pursuance of such an application as it applies in relation to an application for a standard patent based on a designated patent application and to a patent granted in pursuance of such an application.
Section 107
�Notice of proposed deletion from the register under section 13(3) of the
�Transitional Rules
�
- (1)
- If the Registrar proposes to delete any details in relation to a deemed standard patent from the register under section 13(3) of the Transitional Rules, the notice under section 13(6) of those Rules to the person named in the register as the proprietor of the deemed standard patent shall specify a period of not less than 1 month within which the proprietor may request to be heard in the matter, and if at the expiry of that period no such request has been received the Registrar shall make the deletion.
- (2)
- If the proprietor requests a hearing within the time allowed, the Registrar shall, after giving him an opportunity of being heard, determine whether the deletion shall be made.
Section 108
�Application under section 13(4) of the Transitional Rules
�
- (1)
- An application under section 13(4) of the Transitional Rules for the deletion from the register of any details in relation to a deemed standard patent shall be in the specified form and shall be filed in duplicate.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send a copy of the application to any person, other than the applicant, who is named in the register as the proprietor of the deemed standard patent.
- (3)
- If any person who is sent a copy of the application under subsection (2) wishes to oppose the application, he (“the opponent”) shall, within 3 months from the date of the sending of the copies to him, file counter-statement setting out fully the grounds of his opposition; and the Registrar shall send a copy of the counter-statement to the person making the application and to those recipients of the copy of the application who are not party to the counter-statement.
Legislative Texts
- (4)
- The counter-statement shall be in the specified form, shall be filed in duplicate and shall be accompanied by the prescribed fee.
- (5)
- The person making the application or any recipient of the counter-statement may, within 3 months from the date of the sending of the copy of the counter-statement to him, file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of the evidence
- (a)
- in any case, to the opponent; and
- (b)
- in the case of evidence filed by such a recipient, to the person making the application.
- (6)
- Within 3 months from the date of receipt of the copy of such evidence sent to him or, if no such evidence is filed, within 3 months of the expiration of the time within which it might have been filed, the opponent may file evidence in support of his case and shall send a copy of the evidence so filed to the person making the application and those recipients; and within 3 months from the date on which the copy of the opponent’s evidence is sent to him, that person or any of those recipients may file further evidence confined to matters strictly in reply and shall send a copy of it to the persons mentioned in subsection (5)(a) and (b) . (7) No further evidence shall be filed except by leave or direction of the Registrar.
- (8)
- The Registrar may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the subsequent procedure.
Section 109
�Application under section 13(8) of the Transitional Rules
�
An application under section 13(8) of the Transitional Rules shall be in the specified form and shall be supported by evidence and the facts upon which the applicant relies.
Section 110
�Request for information under section 147 of the Ordinance
�
A request under section 147 of the Ordinance for information relating to any existing registered patent or pending application for registration of a patent under the repealed Ordinance as mentioned in section 5 of the Transitional Rules may be made only as to
- (a)
- when a certificate of registration was issued under the repealed Ordinance;
- (b)
- when the patent was first renewed under this Ordinance,
and section 88(2) of these Rules shall apply accordingly.
Section 111
�Modified application of these Rules to applications by virtue of sections 6, 8 and
�9 of the Transitional Rules
�
In the application of these Rules in relation to an application for a standard patent by virtue of section 6, 8 or 9 of the Transitional Rules, the provisions of these Rules specified in column 1 of Part I of Schedule 3 and of any other provision of these Rules referred to in such provision shall be read subject to the modifications specified opposite that provision in column 2 of Part I of that Schedule.
Legislative Texts
Section 112
�Modified application of these Rules to applications by virtue of section 7 of the
�Transitional Rules
�
In the application of these Rules in relation to an application for a standard patent by virtue of section 7 of the Transitional Rules, the provisions of these Rules specified in column 1 of Part II of Schedule 3 shall be read subject to the modifications specified opposite that provision in column 2 of Part II of that Schedule.
Schedule 1 MICRO-ORGANISMS
[section 73]
1. Application
- (1)
- If an invention which is the subject of an application for a short-term patent, or a short-term patent, requires for its performance the use of a micro-organism
- (a) �
- which is not available to the public at the date of filing of the application; and
- (b) �
- which cannot be described in the application or the specification of the patent in such a manner as to enable the invention to be performed by a person skilled in the art, the invention shall only be regarded as being disclosed for the purposes of section 77 of the Ordinance if the conditions set out in subparagraph (2) are satisfied.
- (2)
- The conditions referred to in subparagraph (1) are that
- (a) �
- not later than the date of filing of the application, a culture of the micro-organism has been deposited in a depositary institution which is able to furnish a sample of the microorganism;
- (b) �
- the name of the depositary institution, the date when the culture was deposited and the accession number of the deposit are given in the specification of the application;
- (c) �
- the application as filed gives such relevant information as is available to the applicant on the characteristics of the micro-organism; and
- (d) �
- where a new deposit is made under paragraph 3 , the applicant or proprietor makes a new deposit in accordance with that paragraph.
- (3)
- The information specified in subparagraph (2)(b) shall be submitted
- (a) �
- together with the request for grant of a short-term patent; or
- (b) �
- within 1 month after the Registrar has communicated to the applicant that a right for information and inspection of documents under section 147(5) of the Ordinance exists, whichever is the earlier.
- (4)
- The giving of the information specified in subparagraph (2)(b) shall constitute the unreserved and irrevocable consent of the applicant to the deposited culture (including a deposited culture which is to be treated as having always been available by virtue of paragraph 3(2) ) being made available in accordinance with this Schedule to any person as from the date of grant of the short-term patent or prior to that date to any person having the right to information and inspection of documents under section 147(5) of the Ordinance subject to-
Legislative Texts
- (a) �
- the production of the Registrar’s notice of confirmation regarding the release to the person who is named in the notice of confirmation as a person to whom the culture may be made available; and
- (b) �
- the making of a valid request, to the depositary institution with which the culture is deposited, for the culture to be made available.
2. Availability of cultures
- (1)
- A request to the Registrar for the issue of a notice of confirmation regarding the release of a deposited culture shall be in the specified form and shall be filed in quadruplicate.
- (2)
- The Registrar shall send copies of the forms lodged with him under subparagraph (1) and of his notice of confirmation regarding the release of the sample
- (a) �
- to the applicant for, or proprietor of, the patent;
- (b) �
- to the depositary institution; and
- (c) �
- to the person making the request.
- (3)
- A request under subparagraph (1) shall comprise, on the part of the person making the request, undertakings for the benefit of the applicant for, or proprietor of, the patent
- (a) �
- not to make the culture, or any culture derived from it, available to any other person; and
- (b) �
- not to use the culture, or any culture derived from it, otherwise than for experimental purposes relating to the subject-matter of the invention,
and, in this subparagraph, references to a culture derived from a deposited culture of a microorganism are references to a culture so derived which exhibits those characteristics of the deposited culture essential for the performance of the invention.
- (4)
- Further to subparagraph (3)
- (a) �
- and subject to sub-subparagraph (c) , both undertakings shall have effect during any period before the application for a patent has been withdrawn, is deemed to have been withdrawn or has been refused (including any further period allowed under section 94 or 100 of these Rules but excluding, where an application is reinstated under either of those sections, the period before it is reinstated);
- (b) �
- if a patent is granted on the application, the undertaking set out in subparagraph (3)(a) shall also have effect during any period for which the patent is in force and during the further period of 6 months referred to in section 126(5) of the Ordinance; and
- (c) �
- the undertaking set out in subparagraph (3)(b) shall not have effect after the date of publication in the Gazette of a notice advertising that the patent has been granted.
- (5)
- For the purpose of enabling any Government use specified in section 69 of the Ordinance in relation to the culture, the undertakings specified in subparagraph (3)
- (a) �
- shall not be required from any Government department or person authorized in writing by a Government department for the purposes of this paragraph; and
- (b) �
- shall not have effect in relation to any such person who has already given the undertakings.
- (6)
- An undertaking given pursuant to subparagraph (3) may be varied by way of derogation by agreement between the applicant or proprietor and the person by whom it is given.
Legislative Texts
- (7)
- Where, in respect of a patent to which the undertaking set out in subparagraph 3(a) has effect, a compulsory licence is granted under section 64 of the Ordinance, that undertaking shall not have effect to the extent necessary for effect to be given to any such licence. 3. New deposits
- (1)
- Where the depositary institution with which a deposit or a new deposit of a culture has been made under this Schedule
- (a) �
- notifies the applicant or proprietor that it
- (i) �
- cannot satisfy a request made in accordance with paragraph 2(1) ; or
- (ii) �
- is not able lawfully, to satisfy such a request, for the culture to be made available;
- (b) �
- ceases temporarily or permanently to carry out the functions of a depositary institution; or
- (c) �
- ceases for any reason to conduct its activities as a depositary institution in an objective and impartial manner,
then subject to subparagraph (3) , the applicant or proprietor may, unless the culture has been transferred to another depositary institution which is able to make it available, make a new deposit of a culture of that micro-organism.
(2) For the purposes of paragraph 1 and of this paragraph, the deposit shall be treated as always having been available if, within 3 months of the receipt of such notification or of the depositary institution ceasing to perform the functions of a depositary institution or to conduct its activities as such an institution in an objective and impartial manner, the applicant or proprietor,
- (a) �
- in a case where the deposit has not already been transferred, makes the new deposit;
- (b) �
- furnishes to the depositary institution with which the new deposit is made a declaration that the culture so deposited is of the same micro-organism as was the culture originally deposited; and
- (c) �
- requests amendment of the specification under section 46 or 120 of the Ordinance, as the case may be, so as to indicate the accession number of the transferred or new deposit and, where applicable, the name of the depositary institution with which the deposit has been made.
- (3)
- The new deposit referred to in subparagraph (1)
- (a) �
- shall, except as provided in sub-subparagraph (b) , be made with the same depositary institution as was the original deposit; or
- (b) �
- in the cases referred to in subparagraph (1)(a)(ii) , (b) and (c) , shall be made with another depositary institution which is able to satisfy the request.
4. Interpretation of Schedule
(1) In this Schedule
“the Budapest Treaty” means the Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Micro-organisms for the purposes of Patent Procedure done at Budapest in 1977; and
“international depositary authority” means a depositary institution which has acquired the status of international depositary authority as provided in Article 7 of the Budapest Treaty.
Legislative Texts
(2) For the purposes of this Schedule a “depositary institution” is an institution which, at all relevant times
(a) | carries out the functions of receiving, accepting and storing micro-organism and the |
furnishing of samples thereof; and | |
(b) | conducts its affairs in so far as they relate to the carrying out of those functions in an |
objective and impartial manner. | ||||||||||||||||||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Schedule 2 FEES | ||||||||||||||||||
[section 104] | ||||||||||||||||||
Fee No. | Matter or proceeding | Amount $ | ||||||||||||||||
1 | On reference under section 13(1)(a), 13(1)(b) or 14(5) of the | 700 | ||||||||||||||||
Ordinance made to the Registrar to apply for grant of | ||||||||||||||||||
standard patent or licence or whether the period or terms of a | ||||||||||||||||||
licence are reasonable | ||||||||||||||||||
2 | On filing of notice of opposition or counter-statement under | 1200 | ||||||||||||||||
section 3(4), 4(4), 7(4), 37(5), 38(5), 40(3) or (4), 41(3), | ||||||||||||||||||
48(5) or (6) or 108(3) | ||||||||||||||||||
3 | On application under section 13(5) of the Ordinance for | 700 | ||||||||||||||||
authorization by the Registrar to carry out directions under | ||||||||||||||||||
section 13(3)(c) or (4) of the Ordinance on behalf of the | ||||||||||||||||||
person to whom the directions were given | ||||||||||||||||||
4 | On filing request to record a designated patent application | 1400 | ||||||||||||||||
under section 15 or 22 of the Ordinance | ||||||||||||||||||
5 | On filing request for registration of a designated patent and | 1400 | ||||||||||||||||
grant of a standard patent under section 23 of the Ordinance | ||||||||||||||||||
6 | On filing application for grant of a short-term patent under | 2800 | ||||||||||||||||
section 113, 116 or 125 of the Ordinance | ||||||||||||||||||
7 | Advertisement fee for request to record, or for request for | Such | amount | as | is | |||||||||||||
registration and grant | fixed by the Registrar | |||||||||||||||||
with the approval of | ||||||||||||||||||
the Financial Secretary | ||||||||||||||||||
and published in the | ||||||||||||||||||
Gazette. | ||||||||||||||||||
8 | Advertisement fee for application for grant of a short-term | Such | amount | as | is | |||||||||||||
patent | fixed by the Registrar | |||||||||||||||||
with the approval of | ||||||||||||||||||
the Financial Secretary | ||||||||||||||||||
and published in the | ||||||||||||||||||
Gazette. | ||||||||||||||||||
9 | Additional fee for late payment of filing fee or advertisement | 350 | ||||||||||||||||
fee for request to record, or for request for registration and | ||||||||||||||||||
grant | ||||||||||||||||||
10 | Additional fee for late payment of filing fee or advertisement | 350 | ||||||||||||||||
fee for application for grant of a short-term patent | ||||||||||||||||||
11 | On | application | for | maintenance | of | a | standard | patent | ||||||||||
application- | ||||||||||||||||||
Application for maintenance for | a | further year after the | 1000 | |||||||||||||||
HK | Patents (Procedures Cap. 514), Rules, 1997 | Page 53 / 55 |
Legislative Texts Legislative Texts
expiry of the 5th year Application for maintenance thereafter | of | any | succeeding | year | 1000 | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
12 13 14 15 16 17 | Additional fee for late payment of a maintenance fee under section 33(4) of the Ordinance Request for renewal of a standard patent-Request for renewal for a further year after the expiry of the 3rd year Request for renewal of any succeeding year thereafter Additional fee for late payment of a renewal fee under section 39(4) of the Ordinance Request for renewal of a short-term patent Additional fee for late payment of a renewal fee under section 126(5) of the Ordinance On application to restore a withdrawn standard patent application due to non-payment of maintenance fee under section 34 of the Ordinance | 350 2000 2000 1000 4000 1000 1500 | |||||
On application to restore a section 40 of the Ordinance | lapsed standard patent under | 1500 | |||||
On application to restore a lapsed short-term patent under section 127 of the Ordinance | 1500 | ||||||
18 | Additional fee for reinstatement of a withdrawn patent application under section 28 or 123 of the Ordinance Additional fee for restoration of rights under section 29 or 123 of the Ordinance | 1500 1500 | |||||
19 | Mention of inventor under section 45 of the Ordinance | 500 | |||||
20 21 | On application to revoke a standard patent under section 44(4) of the Ordinance On reference to the Registrar under section 49 of the Ordinance to revoke a patent On application to register or to give notice of rights acquired in or under a patent or an application for a patent under section 46 | 700 700 1200 | |||||
22 23 24 25 | On request for correction of an error under section 51(2)(b)(ii) or 146 of the Ordinance Request for information under section 49or 88. Request for inspection of the register or request for inspection of documents under section 147 of the Ordinance (Per 30 minutes or part thereof) Extension fee under section 17, 24 , 29, 68 or 100 | 500 100 100 800 | |||||
26 | Penalty fee for late filing of translation under section 104 of the Ordinance or sections 17(4), 24(4), 56 or 68 of these Rules | 700 | |||||
27 28 | Request to publish a corrected translation under section 106(3) of the Ordinance Request for certified copy of an entry in the register or certified extract from the register under section 51(6) of the Ordinance. | 700 350 | |||||
Request for a certificate for the purposes of section 51(10) of the Ordinance | 350 | ||||||
HK | Patents (Procedures Cap. 514), Rules, 1997 | Page 54 / 55 |
29 �For certifying office copy or photographic or printed matter, 350 other than a certified copy of an entry in the register or a certified extract from the register
30 �For providing uncertified copy or printout of an entry in the 6 register, of an extract from the register or of a document (For each page or portion of a page)
Schedule 3 MODIFIED APPLICATION OF THESE RULES TO
APPLICATIONS | FOR STANDARD PATENTS BY VIRTUE | OF | THE | |
---|---|---|---|---|
TRANSITIONAL RULES | ||||
[sections 105, 111 & 112] |
PART I
�APPLICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT BY VIRTUE OF SECTIONS 6, 8 AND
�9 OF THE TRANSITIONAL RULES
�
Provision of these �Modification
Rules
Section 19 For “designated patent” wherever it appears read “patent”.
Section 19(1) For “ section 23(1) of the Ordinance” read “section 6, 8 or 9 of the
Transitional Rules”.
PART II
�APPLICATION FOR A STANDARD PATENT BY VIRTUE OF SECTION 7 OF THE
�TRANSITIONAL RULES
�
Provision of these Modification Rules Section 8(1) (a) For “a designated patent application” read“any of the following applications, namely
- (a) �
- an application in the United Kingdom Patent Office for a 1977 Act patent, which application has been published under the law of the United Kingdom Patent Office;
- (b) �
- an application in the European Patent Office for a European patent (UK), which application has been published under the law of the European Patent Office;
- (c) �
- an international application which has been published and which has validly entered its national phase in the United Kingdom Patent Office or the European Patent Office (as the case may be)”.
(b) �For the passage beginning “ section 15” and ending “Ordinance)”, read
“section 7 of the Transitional Rules”.
Section 19 For “designated patent” read “patent”.
Section 19(1) For “ section 23(1) of the Ordinance” read “section 7 of the Transitional
Rules”.
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 1
章: 514C 《專利(一般)規則》 憲報編號 版本日期
賦權條文 30/06/1997
(第514章第149條)
[1997年6月27日]1997年第367號法律公告
(本為1997年第339號法律公告)
部: I 導言 30/06/1997
條: 1 (已失時效而略去) 30/06/1997
條: 2 釋義 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 在本規則中,除文意另有所指外─
“申請編號”(application number)─
(a) 就指定專利的申請或依據該等申請獲批予的專利而言,指在該項申請提交之時由指定
專利當局編配的編號;
(b) 就根據本條例提出的專利的申請或依據該等申請獲批予的專利而言,指在該項申請提
交之時由處長編配的編號;
“送交”(send) 包括給予,而同根詞句亦據此解釋; (2004年第37條法律公告)
“國家知識產權局”(State Intellectual Property Office) 指根據中華人民共和國的法律設立而職能包括就
發明批予專利的國家知識產權局; (2001年第2號第17條)
“國際專利分類法”(International Patent Classification) 指根據1971年3月24日在斯特拉斯堡訂立並經不
時修改或修訂的《國際專利分類協定》訂定的專利發明通用分類系統; (2004年第37條法律公
告)
“發表編號”(publication number)─
(a) 就根據本條例發表的文件而言,指該文件發表之時由處長編配予該文件的編號;
(b) 就根據香港以外的專利當局的法律發表或根據任何國際公約發表的文件而言,指該文
件發表之時由該專利當局或根據該公約而編配予該文件的編號;
“電子紀錄”(electronic record) 具有《電子交易條例》(第553章)第2(1)條所賦予的涵義; (2004年第37
號法律公告)
“電子簽署”(electronic signature) 具有《電子交易條例》(第553章)第2(1)條所賦予的涵義; (2004年第
37號法律公告)
“資訊系統”(information system) 具有《電子交易條例》(第553章)第2(1)條所賦予的涵義; (2004年第
37號法律公告)
“歐洲專利局”(European Patent Office) 指由在1973年10月5日於慕尼黑訂立的《歐洲專利批予公約》
所設立並以歐洲專利局為名的歐洲專利組織的當局;
“數碼簽署”(digital signature) 具有《電子交易條例》(第553章)第2(1)條所賦予的涵義; (2004年第37
號法律公告)
“聯合王國專利局”(United Kingdom Patent Office) 指根據聯合王國的法律為就發明批予專利而設立的
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 2
當局。
(2) 在本規則中─
(a) (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
(b) 凡提述向處長提交文件或其他東西或提述提交文件或其他東西而無指出在何地方或向
何人提交該文件或東西,須解釋為提述按照第93、93A、93B及93C條向處長提交該文件
或東西; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(c) 凡提述在處長席前進行的任何法律程序中的文件採用指明表格,即解釋為提述該文件
採用處長根據本條例第150條就關乎該等法律程序而指明的表格(如有的話)。
(2001年第2號第17條)
條: 2A 指明表格 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
凡規定使用指明表格,則—
(a) 使用該指明表格的複製本;或
(b) 使用可獲處長接受的表格,
而該複製本或表格是載有該指明表格所規定的資料,並且是符合處長發出的關於使用該指明表格或
其複製本的任何指示的,即屬已符合該規定。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
部: II 標準專利的申請 30/06/1997
條: 3 根據本條例第13(1)(a)或(b)條向處長作出的轉介 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
申請的權利
(1) 根據本條例第13(1)(a)或(b)條向處長作出的轉介須—
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 附同一份陳述,詳盡列出有關問題的性質、作出轉介的人所依賴的事實及所尋求的命
令或其他濟助;及
(c) 附同訂明費用。
(2) 如屬本條例第13(1)(a)條所指的轉介的情況,則作出轉介的人須在提交有關轉介的同時,將
上述轉介及陳述的副本送交每名並非該項轉介的一方的以下人士—
(a) 在該項轉介中被指稱為有權就屬該項轉介的標的之發明申請批予標準專利的每一人;
(b) 作出轉介的人相信是該項發明的發明人或共同發明人的每一人;及
(c) (如在提交該項轉介之前已發表該項發明的標準專利的申請)在註冊紀錄冊內顯示為具有
在該項申請中或在該項申請下的權利的每一人。
(3) 如屬本條例第13(1)(b)條所指的轉介的情況,則作出轉介的人須在提交有關轉介的同時,將
上述轉介及陳述的副本送交—
(a) 既不屬該項轉介的一方亦沒有以其他方式表示同意作出命令或批予所尋求的濟助的每
名共同所有人;
(b) 每名並非該項轉介的一方的以下人士—
(i) 在該項轉介中被指稱為應獲移轉或批予在該項申請中或在該項申請下的任何權利
的每一人;及
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 3
(ii) 作出轉介的人相信是屬該項轉介的標的之發明的發明人或共同發明人的每一人;
及
(c) (如在提交該項轉介之前已發表該項發明的標準專利的申請)在註冊紀錄冊內顯示為具有
在該項申請中或在該項申請下的權利的每一人。
(4) 作出轉介的人根據第(2)或(3)款(視屬何情況而定)送交的每一份轉介及陳述的副本,均須附
同一份載有所有獲根據該款送交轉介及陳述的副本的人的姓名或名稱及地址的通知,而該作出轉介
的人亦須將該等人的姓名或名稱及地址通知處長。
(5) 如某項發明的標準專利的申請是根據本條例第13(1)(a)或(b)條作出的轉介的標的並已提交,
但在提交該項轉介之前該項申請尚未發表,則處長須另外將該項轉介及陳述的副本送交每名並非該
項轉介的一方或根據第(2)或(3)款獲送交副本的(視屬何情況而定)以下人士—
(a) 屬該項標準專利的申請人的每一人;及
(b) 已根據第46條向處長發出關乎該項申請的交易、文書或事件的通知的每一人。
(6) 處長須將載有所有獲根據第(5)款送交轉介及陳述的副本的人的姓名或名稱及地址的通知,
送交—
(a) 根據該款獲送交副本的每一人;
(b) 作出轉介的人;及
(c) 姓名或名稱及地址已根據第(4)款通知處長的每一人。
(7) 如任何獲根據第(2)、(3)或(5)款送交轉介及陳述的副本的人欲反對作出命令或批予所尋求濟
助,他(“反對人”)須在自該等副本送交予他的日期起計的3個月內提交一份反陳述,該反陳述須採
用指明表格,並須詳盡列出反對的理由,且須附同訂明費用。
(8) 反對人須在提交反陳述的同時,將該反陳述的副本送交以下每一人(但並非該反陳述的一方
者)—
(a) 作出轉介的人;
(b) 姓名或名稱及地址已根據第(4)款通知反對人的每一人;及
(c) 姓名或名稱及地址已根據第(6)款通知反對人的每一人。
(9) 作出轉介的人及獲根據第(8)款送交反陳述的副本的任何其他人,可在自該副本送交予他的
日期起計的3個月內,提交支持其案的證據,而如他提交該證據—
(a) 他須將該證據的副本送交反對人;及
(b) 如該證據是由上述其他人提交的,他須將該等證據的副本送交作出轉介的人。
(10) 反對人可在自證據的副本根據第(9)款送交予他的日期起計的3個月內,或(如上述證據沒有
根據該款提交)在自提交上述證據的時限屆滿起計的3個月內,提交支持其案的證據,而如他提交該
證據,他須將該證據的副本送交—
(a) 作出轉介的人;及
(b) 已根據第(9)款提交證據的任何其他人。
(11) 作出轉介的人及獲根據第(10)款送交反對人的證據的副本的任何其他人,可在自該副本送交
予他的日期起計的3個月內,提交嚴格限於作為答覆反對人的證據的事宜的進一步證據,而如他提交
該進一步證據—
(a) 他須將該等證據的副本送交反對人;及
(b) 如該進一步證據是由上述其他人提交的,他須將該等證據的副本送交作出轉介的人。
(12) 除獲處長許可或指示外,不得提交進一步的證據。
(13) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 4
條: 4 (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除) L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
條: 5 根據本條例第13條作出的命令 30/06/1997
(1) 凡有命令一如本條例第14(2)條所述及般作出,處長須將作出命令一事通知所有原有申請人
及處長所知的該等申請人的特許持有人。
(2) 本條例第14(3)條所指的請求,須在以下時間內提出─
(a) 如屬由原有申請人或任何一名原有申請人提出的請求,則為在自通知根據第(1)款送交
予他的日期起計2個月內;或
(b) 如屬由特許持有人提出的請求,則為在自通知根據第(1)款送交予他的日期起計4個月
內。
條: 6 根據本條例第13(5)條作出的授權 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡根據本條例第13條第(5)款申請獲授權以代表根據該條第(3)(c)或(4)款獲給予指示的人作出
任何事情,該項申請須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 附同一份陳述,詳盡列出申請人所依賴的事實及所尋求授權的性質;及
(c) 附同訂明費用。
(2) 申請人須在提交上述申請的同時,將上述申請及陳述的副本送交被指稱為沒有遵從上述指
示的人。
(3) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 7 根據本條例第14(5)條向處長作出的轉介 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡有命令一如本條例第14條第(2)款所述般作出,而繼後有關於任何人是否有權獲批予特許
或關於任何特許的有效期或條款是否合理的問題根據該條第(5)款轉介予處長,則該項轉介須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 附同一份陳述,詳盡列出作出轉介的人所依賴的事實及該人所準備接受或批予的特許
的有效期及條款;及
(c) 附同訂明費用。
(2) 作出轉介的人須在提交上述轉介的同時,將上述轉介及陳述的副本送交每名以其名義進行
有關申請但並非作出轉介的人或(視屬何情況而定)每一名聲稱有權獲批予特許但並非作出轉介的
人。
(3) 如上述的轉介及陳述的收件人不同意批予或接受其有效期及條款一如該陳述所列的特許,
他須在自該等副本送交予他的日期起計3個月內提交詳盡列出其反對理由的反陳述。
(4) (a) 該反陳述須採用指明表格並須附同訂明費用。
(b) 收件人須在提交上述反陳述的同時,將該反陳述的副本送交作出轉介的人。
(5) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 5
條: 8 根據本條例第15條請求將指定專利申請記錄 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
指定專利申請的記錄請求
(1) 凡根據本條例第15條(如屬根據《專利合作條約》提出的國際申請的國家階段的某指定專利
申請,則指根據藉本條例第16條而適用的該條)請求將指定專利申請記錄,該項請求須採用指明表
格。
(2) 現補充本條例第15(2)條(包括藉本條例第16條而適用的該條)的規定如下─
(a) 該款(a)段所規定的文件須─
(i) 按照本規則第12條提交; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(ii) 獲豁免使其不受本條例第104(1)條下須採用其中一種法定語文提交的規定所規限;
(b) 為施行該款(d)段訂明的文件,即本規則第9條所述及者;
(c) 該請求須列出以下詳情─
(i) 指定專利申請的提交日期;
(ii) 發明的名稱;
(iii) 指定專利申請的申請編號;
(iv) 指定專利當局編配予指定專利申請的發表編號(如有的話),和指定專利當局發表該
申請的日期(如有的話); (2002年第48號法律公告)
(d) 如指定專利申請是某項國際申請的國家階段,則該請求須列出以下詳情─
(i) 該項國際申請的申請編號;
(ii) 該項國際申請的提交日期;
(iii) 該項國際申請由國際局發表的日期及其發表編號;
(iv) 在指定專利當局為表示該項國際申請已有效地進入其國家階段而發表該項申請的
日期;
(v) 就國際局以中文發表的指定國家知識產權局的國際申請而言,則為國家知識產權
局的國家申請號通知書(National Application Notification)的發文日(the date of the
issuance); (2001年第2號第18條)
(e) 就本條例第22條所訂的指定專利的分開申請的記錄請求、或就依據某項根據本條例第
55(4)條作出的命令而提出的新的申請中的記錄請求而言,該記錄請求須列出關乎較早
的標準專利的申請的以下詳情─
(i) 該較早的申請的申請編號;
(ii) 該較早的申請的提交日期;
(iii) 該較早的申請的記錄請求的發表日期;
(f) 該請求須載有本規則第56條規定的文件譯本及姓名或名稱的音譯;
(g) 該請求須載有該記錄請求所包含文件的列表,並指出每份該等文件的張數。
條: 9 享有提出申請的權利出自何處的陳述的支持文件 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
為本條例第15(2)(d)條的施行,以下文件就申請人為解釋其有權申請獲批予專利而作出的陳述而
訂明─
(a) 凡該條所指的陳述指出標準專利的申請人是在指定專利申請中指名為申請人的人的所
有權繼承人─
(i) 則為證明在該指定專利申請下在香港的權利由該人移轉或轉讓或按揭予標準專利
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 6
的申請人的文件的副本;或 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(ii) 在並無任何關乎某項移轉或轉讓或按揭的上述文件的情況下,則為移轉人或轉讓
人或按揭人所簽署的確認該項移轉或轉讓或按揭的事實的陳述;
(b) 凡該陳述指出不屬(a)段所指明的人的標準專利申請人是有關發明的有權享有該項發明
在香港的產權的發明人,則為證明該項享有權的文件;
(c) 凡該陳述指出標準專利的申請人是(b)段所指明的人的所有權繼承人,則為該段所指明
的文件,另加以下文件─
(i) 證明該項發明在香港的產權由該項發明的發明人移轉或轉讓或按揭予該申請人(不
論是藉單一項該等交易或藉數項該等交易)的文件;
(ii) 在並無任何關乎某項移轉、轉讓或按揭的上述文件的情況下,則為移轉人、轉讓
人或按揭人所簽署的確認該項移轉、轉讓或按揭的事實的陳述。
條: 10 關於發明的過往披露的細節 30/06/1997
就本條例第15(2)(f)條所規定的陳述而言,現訂明關於發明的過往披露的細節如下─
(a) 本規則第55條所提述的展覽或會議的名稱及地點,而有關發明是在該展覽或會議上首
次披露的;
(b) 上述展覽或會議的開幕或開始的日期;
(c) 如並非於上述展覽或會議的開幕或開始的日期首次披露該項發明,則為首次披露該項
發明的日期。
條: 11 寬限期 30/06/1997
如根據本條例第15(4)條須予繳付的提交費或公告費未有在該款所訂定的時限內繳付,則於處長
向申請人送交指出沒有遵守時限一事的通訊後的一個月寬限期內,在(亦只有在)訂明的附加費在該
寬限期內獲繳付的情況下,提交費或公告費仍可有效地繳付。
條: 12 文件的大小及呈示 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 組成記錄請求的所有文件均須予呈示,以容許─
(a) 藉攝影、影印、照相膠印及縮微攝製將其複製成無限數量的副本;及 (2004年第37號法
律公告)
(b) 藉一台能夠留存文件影像的器具將該等文件掃描,然後將該影像轉化為一種適合由電
腦貯存和檢索的形式。
(2) 所有組成記錄請求的紙張均須沒有裂縫、摺縫及摺叠,並只可使用紙張的一面。
(3) 所有文件均須採用柔靱、強固、白色、平滑、無光澤及耐用的A4紙(29.7厘米 x 21厘米)。
(4) 每份文件均須在新的一頁開始;而各頁紙張均須以使其能容易翻轉、分開及再連在一起的
方法連接。
(5)-(6) (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
(7) 上述文件包含的所有紙張,均須以連續的亞拉伯數字編號。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(8) (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
(9) 所有文件須在合理範圍內沒有刪除及其他更改、叠寫及行間書寫,無論如何,該等文件均
須清晰可閱。
(10) 如任何文件的內容真確性不成疑問,而關於妥善複製該等文件的規定亦沒有受危害,或在
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 7
處長認為合適的其他情況下,處長可豁免該等文件,使其無須符合本條的任何條文。
條: 13 陳述、反陳述及證據的格式 30/06/1997
除處長另有指示外,所提交的任何陳述、反陳述或證據均須符合第12(1)及(3)條的規定,但法定
聲明及證據可使用紙張的兩面。
條: 14 由處長發出收據 30/06/1997
處長在首次收到構成一項記錄請求的任何文件後,須─
(a) 在該等文件上標明處長收到該等文件的日期,和編配一個編號予有關法律程序;及
(b) 向申請人發出收據,該收據須顯示所編配的編號、所收到的文件的性質和數目及收到
該等文件的日期。
條: 15 本條例第16條所指的以國際申請為基礎的指定專利申請的 發表日期
L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002
(1) 為施行本條例第15(1)條,且雖然有本條例第5(2)(d)(ii)條的規定,本條例第16條所指的以國
際申請為基礎的指定專利申請的發表日期─
(a) 就指定歐洲專利局的國際申請而言,即為歐洲專利局將顯示該項國際申請已在歐洲專
利局進入國家階段的有關目錄資料在該局的公報中發表的日期;
(b) 就指定聯合王國專利局的國際申請而言,即為聯合王國專利局將顯示該項國際申請已
在聯合王國專利局進入國家階段的有關目錄資料在該局的官方公報(專利)中發表的日
期;
(c) 就由國際局以並非中文的語文發表的指定國家知識產權局的國際申請而言,即為國家
知識產權局將顯示該項國際申請已在國家知識產權局進入國家階段的有關目錄資料在
該局的專利公報中發表的日期。
(2) (a) 為施行本條例第15(1)條,且雖然有本條例第5(2)(d)(ii)條的規定,本條例第16(a)(ii)條提
述的其他日期,就適用於由國際局以中文發表的指定國家知識產權局的國際申請而
言,即為國家知識產權局的國家申請號通知書(National Application Notification)的發文日
(the date of the issuance)後6個月內的任何日期。
(b) 在(a)段所列日期內提出的申請須附同國家申請號通知書(National Application Notification)
的副本一份。
(2001年第2號第18條)
條: 16 繼根據本條例第17條在提交時審查之後作出的傳達 30/06/1997
(1) 如任何記錄請求不符合本條例第17條所訂下的任何規定,處長須將已披露的不足之處傳達
申請人,並告知他除非他在該項傳達的日期的1個月內對所披露的不足之處作出補救,否則該項記錄
請求將不會作為一項標準專利的申請處理。
(2) 如申請人在該期間內對所披露的不足之處作出補救,則須告知申請人該項記錄請求獲設定
的提交日期。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 8
條: 17 糾正在請求文件中的不足之處 30/06/1997
(1) 如處長在根據本條例第19(1)條對記錄請求作出審查時,注意到該項請求中有可予更正的不
足之處,則處長須據此告知申請人,並促請他在自該通知的日期起計的2個月期間內,對該等不足之
處作出補救。
(2) 處長可因應申請人在第(1)款所指明的期間屆滿前呈交的請求,並在訂明的費用獲繳付後,
批准將該期間進一步延展2個月。
(3) 如處長在任何個案中信納申請人沒有在根據第(1)或(2)款獲寬限的期間內補救上述不足之處
是完全或主要可歸因於─
(a) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的郵遞服務的失效或不當延誤;或
(b) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的任何自然災害或罷工,
則處長可批准將該期間進一步延展,為期一段他認為合理但不超逾2個月的期間。
(4) 如在第(1)、(2)及(3)款(視情況而適用)所指明的期間屆滿後,上述記錄請求的唯一不足之處
是沒有提交第56(2)(a)及(b)條所提述的發明名稱或撮錄的譯本或第56(2)(c)條所提述的申請人或發明人
的姓名或名稱音譯,則處長可因應申請人的請求,寬限申請人可於一段指明的期間內在繳付懲罰性
費用後對上述不足之處作出妥善補救。
條: 18 根據本條例第22條請求將指定專利的分開申請記錄 30/06/1997
(1) 凡根據本條例第22(1)條請求將指定專利的分開申請記錄,該項請求(“新的記錄請求”)除在
下述例外情況下,須按照本條例第15(2)條提交。
(2) 本條例或本規則的關乎提交日期和符合形式上規定的條文,須基於新的記錄請求的實際提
交日期而非基於較早的記錄請求的提交日期而予以考慮。
(3) 第8至17條的條文適用,猶如在該等條文中提述指定專利申請之處,即提述指定專利的分開
申請一樣。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第514章第8、9、10、11、12、13、14、15、16、17條 *〉
(4) 在可能範圍內,較早的記錄請求及新的記錄請求的說明及繪圖須分別只關乎該記錄請求所
尋求保護的事宜;但如某一記錄請求有需要藉提述另一記錄請求以說明所尋求保護的事宜,則該項
提述須包括對該另一記錄請求所獲編配的申請編號,並須指出該另一記錄請求所要求保護的事宜。
條: 19 根據本條例第23(1)條請求將指定專利註冊和批予專利 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
註冊與批予請求
(1) 凡根據本條例第23(1)條請求將某指定專利註冊並就該指定專利的說明書內所示的發明批予
專利,該項請求須採用指明表格,並由申請人簽署。
(2) 現補充本條例第23(3)條的規定如下─
(a) 須按照本規則第12條提交一份本條例第23(3)(a)條所規定的文件; (2004年第37號法律公
告)
(b) 為施行該款(b)段而訂明的文件,即本規則第20條所述及者;
(c) 該請求亦須述明─
(i) 該記錄請求的發表編號、申請編號及發表日期;
(ii) 發明的名稱;
(iii) 指定專利的批予日期及發表編號;
(d) 該請求須載有本規則第56條規定的文件譯本及姓名或名稱的音譯;
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 9
(e) 該請求須載有該註冊請求所包含文件的列表,並指出每份該等文件的張數。
(3) 第12條的條文就本條所指的將指定專利註冊及批予專利的請求而適用,一如其就指定專利
申請的記錄請求而適用。
條: 20 享有提出申請的權利出自何處的陳述的支持文件 30/06/1997
為施行本條例第23(3)(b)條,為支持申請人所作的解釋他享有申請獲批予專利的權利的陳述而須
予提交的文件,即為足以證明他一如在該陳述所列般享有權利的文件。
條: 21 寬限期 30/06/1997
如根據本條例第23(5)條須予繳付的提交費或公告費未有在該款所訂的時限內繳付,則於處長向
申請人送交指出沒有遵守時限一事的通訊後的一個月寬限期內,在(亦只有在)訂明的附加費在該寬
限期內獲繳付的情況下,提交費或公告費仍可有效地繳付。
條: 22 由處長發出收據 30/06/1997
處長在首次收到構成註冊與批予請求的任何文件後,須─
(a) 在該等文件上標明處長收到該等文件的日期;及
(b) 向申請人發出收據,該收據須顯示根據第14(b)條編配予有關事宜的申請編號、所收到
的文件的性質和數目及收到該等文件的日期。
條: 23 繼根據本條例第25(1)條在提交時審查之後作出的傳達 30/06/1997
(1) 如任何註冊與批予請求不符合本條例第24(1)條所訂下的任何規定,處長須將已披露的不足
之處傳達申請人,並告知他本條例第25(3)(b)條所訂的在該項傳達的日期的1個月內沒有對該等不足之
處作出補救的後果。
(2) 如申請人在上述期間內對所披露的不足之處作出補救,則須告知他該項註冊與批予請求獲
設定的提交日期。
條: 24 糾正在請求文件中的不足之處 30/06/1997
(1) 如處長在根據本條例第26(1)條對註冊與批予請求作出審查時,注意到該項請求中有可予更
正的不足之處,處長須據此告知申請人,並促請他在自該通知的日期起計2個月的期間內對該等不足
之處作出補救。
(2) 處長可因應申請人在上述期間屆滿前呈交的請求,並在訂明的費用獲繳付後,批准將該期
間進一步延展2個月。
(3) 如處長在任何個案中信納申請人沒有在根據第(1)或(2)款獲寬限的期間內補救上述不足之處
是完全或主要可歸因於─
(a) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的郵遞服務的失效或不當延誤;或
(b) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的任何自然災害或罷工,
則處長可批准將該期間進一步延展,為期一段他認為合理但不超逾2個月的期間。
(4) 如在第(1)、(2)及(3)款(視情況而適用)所指明的期間屆滿後,上述註冊與批予請求的唯一不
足之處是沒有提交第56(2)(a)及(b)條所提述的發明名稱的譯本或第56(2)(c)條所提述的申請人或發明人
的姓名或名稱音譯,則處長可因應申請人的請求,寬限申請人可於一段指明的期間內在繳付懲罰性
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 10
費用後對上述不足之處作出妥善補救。
條: 25 根據本條例第28條請求恢復申請的通知 30/06/1997
本條例第28條所指為請求恢復某項標準專利的申請而作出的通知,須採用指明表格,並附同訂
明的附加費。
條: 26 根據本條例第29條申請恢復權利 30/06/1997
根據本條例第29條為恢復已喪失的關乎某項標準專利的申請的權利而提出的申請,須採用指明
表格,並附同訂明的附加費。
部: III 關於批予前的標準專利的申請的條文 30/06/1997
條: 27 根據本條例第31條將標準專利的申請修訂 30/06/1997
(1) 根據本條例第31條對標準專利的申請作出的任何修訂,須藉向處長提出採用指明表格的申
請而作出。
(2) 為修訂而提出的申請─
(a) 須清楚指出所建議的修訂和述明作出修訂的理由;或
(b) (如屬本條例第31(2)條所適用的修訂)須附同對相應指定專利申請所作出的修訂的核實副
本及(如屬適當)該修訂的訂明譯本。
條: 28 根據本條例第33條將標準專利的申請維持 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡根據本條例第33條申請將標準專利的申請維持,該項申請須採用指明表格。
(2) 凡本條例第33(2)條為就專利申請提出維持申請所指明的期間已屆滿,處長須在根據該款提
出維持申請的最後日期後的6個星期內而該款所指的維持費仍未予繳付時,向該專利申請的申請人送
交通知,告知他提出維持申請的期間已屆滿以及不提出維持申請和不繳付本條例第33(4)條所指明的
費用的後果。
(3) 第(2)款所指的通知─
(a) 須送往在上一次繳付維持費時維持申請的申請人所指明的地址;或
(b) 在該項維持申請的申請人自上一次維持該專利申請後已為上述目的將另一地址呈報處
長的情況下,須送往該地址,
在任何其他情況下,則須送往記入註冊紀錄冊的供送達文件的地址。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 29 糾正在維持文件中的不足之處以及消除在維持文件中的疑
點
30/06/1997
(1) 如處長─
(a) 注意到在根據本條例第33(2)條提出的維持申請中有不足之處;或
(b) 有理由懷疑在該維持申請中任何陳述的真實性,
他須將該等不足之處或疑點傳達申請人,並告知他除非他在自上述傳達的日期起計的2個月期間內對
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 11
該等不足之處作出補救或消除該等疑點,否則該項維持申請須予拒絕。
(2) 處長可因應申請人在該期間屆滿前呈交的請求,並在訂明費用獲繳付後,批准將該期間進
一步延展2個月。
(3) 如處長在任何個案中信納申請人沒有在根據第(1)或(2)款獲寬限的期間內補救上述不足之處
或消除該等疑點是完全或主要可歸因於─
(a) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的郵遞服務的失效或不當延誤;或
(b) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的任何自然災害或罷工,
則處長可批准將該期間進一步延展,為期一段他認為合理但不超逾2個月的期間。
(4) 如處長在考慮任何維持申請所載的陳述後,不信納根據本條例第33條提出的維持申請的案
已成立,他須據此通知申請人,而除非申請人在1個月內請求就該事宜作出陳詞,否則處長須拒絕該
項申請。
(5) 如申請人在所允許的時間內請求舉行聆訊,處長須在給予申請人作出陳詞的機會後,裁定
該項維持申請須予批准或拒絕。
條: 30 關於標準專利的申請當作撤回的通知 30/06/1997
凡─
(a) 任何標準專利的申請因維持費在本條例第33(2)及(3)條所指明的期間內未繳付而已當作
被撤回和放棄;及
(b) 本條例第33(4)條所指明的延展期已屆滿而維持費和訂明的附加費仍未繳付,
則處長須在該延展期屆滿後6個星期內,將該項事實通知該標準專利的申請人,並促請他注意本條例
第34條的條文。
條: 31 根據本條例第34條將標準專利的申請恢復 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1) 凡根據本條例第34條申請將標準專利的申請恢復,該項申請須採用指明表格,及由申請人
簽署。
(2) 上述恢復申請須載有申請人就與標準專利的申請的恢復有關的事宜作出的陳述,並在不局
限該等事宜的情況下包括指出以下事宜的陳述─
(a) 在該項恢復申請的日期,有關的指定專利申請是否仍然有效或已被撤回;及
(b) 在該項恢復申請的日期,是否已有任何專利依據該指定專利申請獲批予;如有專利獲
批予,則根據本條例第23條為將該指定專利註冊和批予專利而提交請求的時間是否已
屆滿。
(3) 如處長在考慮有關陳述後,不信納根據本條例第34條申請作出命令的案已成立,他須據此
通知申請人,而除非申請人在1個月內請求就該事宜作出陳詞,否則處長須拒絕該項申請。
(4) 如申請人在所允許的時間內請求舉行聆訊,處長須在給予申請人作出陳詞的機會後,裁定
該項申請須予批准或拒絕。
(5) 如處長決定批准該項申請,他須據此通知申請人,並規定他在該通知送交予他的日期後2個
月內提交申請(該申請須採用為本條例第33(2)條的施行而指明並經填妥的表格),並附同任何未繳付
的維持費及為施行本條例第33(4)條所訂明的任何附加費;在收到該申請及費用後,處長須命令將該
項標準專利的申請恢復,並在官方公報刊登關於該項命令的事實的公告。 (2001年第2號第19條)
部: IV 關於批予後的專利的條文 30/06/1997
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 12
條: 32 標準專利的續期 30/06/1997
標準專利
(1) 繳付為施行本條例第39(2)條而訂明的續期費,須藉提交採用指明表格的續期請求並附同續
期費而作出。
(2) 處長在收到填妥的續期請求及續期費後,須發出繳費確認書。
(3) 如依據本條例第39(2)及(3)條繳付續期費的期間已屆滿,則處長須在該條所訂的最後繳費日
期後的6個星期內而續期費仍未予繳付時,向有關的標準專利的所有人送交通知,提醒他已逾期而仍
未繳費以及不繳費的後果。
(4) 根據第(3)款發給所有人的通知─
(a) 須送交在上一次繳付續期費時所有人所指明的在香港的地址;
(b) 在所有人自上一次續期後已為上述目的將另一在香港的地址呈報處長的情況下,須送
交該地址;或
(c) 在任何其他情況下,須送交記入註冊紀錄冊的供送達文件的地址。
(5) 凡按本條例第39(4)條所訂的方式繳付逾期的續期費,須藉提交採用指明表格的續期請求並
附同續期費及任何為施行該條所訂明的附加費而作出。
條: 33 標準專利已失效的通知 30/06/1997
凡─
(a) 任何標準專利因續期費未有在本條例第39(2)及(3)條指明的期間內繳付而停止有效;及
(b) 在本條例第39(4)條所指明的延展期屆滿後,續期費及訂明的附加費仍未繳付,
處長須在該延展期屆滿後6個星期內將該項事實通知該專利的所有人,並促請他注意本條例第40條的
條文。
條: 34 根據本條例第40條恢復已失效的標準專利 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1) 為恢復因沒有繳付續期費而停止有效的標準專利而根據本條例第40條提出的申請須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 由申請人簽署;
(c) 以在該項申請中作出的陳述的證據支持;及
(d) 附同為施行該條所訂明的費用。
(2) 如處長在考慮為支持申請而提供的證據後,不信納根據本條例第40條申請作出命令的案已
成立,他須據此通知申請人,而除非申請人在1個月內請求就該事宜作出陳詞,否則處長須拒絕該項
申請。
(3) 如申請人在所允許的時間內請求舉行聆訊,處長須在給予申請人作出陳詞的機會後,裁定
該項申請須予批准或拒絕。
(4) 如處長決定批准該項申請,他須據此通知申請人,並規定他自該通知送交予他的日期起計2
個月內,提交採用指明表格並經填妥的續期請求,並附同任何尚未繳付的續期費和為本條例第40(4)
條的施行而訂明的任何附加費;在收到上述續期請求及費用後,處長須命令將有關的專利恢復,並
在官方公報刊登關於該項命令的事實的公告。 (2001年第2號第19條)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 13
條: 35 根據本條例第43條修訂標準專利 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 為施行本條例第43(1)條而訂明的期間是─
(a) 自於指定專利當局作出修訂的日期起計的6個月;或
(b) 自批予標準專利的日期起計的6個月,
兩者以較後者為準。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(2) 為施行本條例第43(1)條而向處長提交文件,須藉提交以下項目的方式提交—
(a) 以下文件的核實副本—
(i) 經修訂的說明書;或
(ii) 作出修訂的命令;
(b) 採用指明表格的修訂通知;及
(c) 本規則第56條所規定的根據(a)段提交的文件的譯本。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(3) 處長如認為合適,可規定─
(a) 修訂須顯示於在指定專利當局已作出修訂的說明書的副本上;或
(b) 在處長所指明的時間內提交經修訂的新的說明書,而該說明書須按照第12條製備。
條: 36 本條例第43及44條所指的在指定專利當局進行的反對或撤 銷專利的法律程序
L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002
為本條例第43及44條的施行而訂明的反對或撤銷專利的法律程序如下─
(a) 在國家知識產權局,則為任何根據或按照《中華人民共和國專利法》第41至44條及《中
華人民共和國專利法實施細則》第55至63條在專利批予之後進行的撤銷專利的法律程
序; (2001年第2號第18條)
(b) 在歐洲專利局,則為任何根據或按照《歐洲專利公約》第V部在專利批予之後進行的反
對專利的法律程序。
條: 37 根據本條例第44條撤銷標準專利 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 為本條例第44(2)條的施行而向處長提交文件,須藉提交該等文件連同一份採用指明表格的
通知以及第56條所規定的該等文件的譯本而作出。
(2) 為撤銷某專利而根據本條例第44(4)條提出的申請須─
(a) 採用指明表格; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(b) 以在該項申請中作出的陳述的證據支持,如屬適當,並須按照第56條附同該等證據的
訂明譯本;及 (1997年第402號法律公告)
(c) 附同訂明費用。
(3) 為施行本條例第44(2)條而訂明的文件,即指定專利當局的專利註冊紀錄冊上顯示指定專利
已予撤銷的記項的核實副本。
(4) 凡任何人根據本條例第44(4)條提交申請,他須同時將該項申請的副本以及附於該項申請的
任何證據及譯本的副本送交註冊為有關專利的所有人的每一人,以及送交在註冊紀錄冊內顯示為具
有在該專利中或在該專利下的權利的每一名其他人。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(5) 任何根據第(4)款收到一項申請的副本的人,如欲反對該項申請,須在該副本的發出日期起
計3個月內,提交採用指明表格的反陳述,該反陳述須詳盡列出反對該項被反對的申請的理由,並須
附同指明費用。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(6) 上述收件人須在提交上述反陳述的同時,將該反陳述的副本送交每名第(4)款所述的人(但並
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 14
非該反陳述的一方的人者)。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(7) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
條: 38 根據本條例第45條述及發明人 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
關於專利的一般條文
(1) 任何聲稱是任何已獲批予專利的發明的發明人或共同發明人的人,可向處長提出申請,要
求裁斷他有權依據本條例第45(1)條在該專利中被述及為發明人或共同發明人。
(2) 根據第(1)款為獲得裁斷而提出的申請,或根據本條例第45(2)條為獲得某人依據該項裁斷不
應在某專利中被述及為唯一或共同發明人的裁斷而提出的請求,須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 附同該申請或請求的副本及附同一份詳盡列出所依賴的事實的陳述;及 (1997年第402
號法律公告;2004年第37號法律公告)
(c) 附同訂明費用。
(3) 凡任何人根據第(1)款提交申請或根據本條例第45(2)條提出請求,他須同時將該項申請或請
求的副本以及附於該項申請或請求的任何陳述的副本,送交—
(a) 每名註冊為該專利的所有人但並非申請人或提出請求的人的人;
(b) 已在該專利中識別為該項發明的發明人或共同發明人的每一人;
(c) 已在第(2)(b)款所提述的陳述中識別為該項發明的發明人或共同發明人的每一人;及
(d) 在註冊紀錄冊內顯示為具有在該專利中或在該專利下的權利的每一名其他人。 (2004年
第37號法律公告)
(4) 凡任何收到該項申請或請求及陳述的副本的人欲反對該項申請或請求,他須自該等副本送
交予他的日期起計3個月內提交反陳述。
(5) (a) 該反陳述須採用指明表格,並須詳盡列出反對該項被反對的申請或請求的理由,且須
附同訂明費用。
(b) 凡任何人提交反陳述,他須同時將該反陳述的副本送交本條所描述的每一人(但並非該
反陳述的一方的人者)。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(6) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
條: 39 (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除) L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
條: 40 專利的放棄 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 專利的所有人根據本條例第48條提議放棄其專利的通知,須採用指明表格,而處長須在官
方公報中刊登關於給予處長的任何該等通知的細節的公告。 (2001年第2號第19條)
(2) 根據本條例第48(2)條反對放棄專利一事的通知,可自上述公告的日期起計2個月內的任何時
間給予。
(3) 上述通知須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 由一份陳述支持,而該陳述須詳盡列出反對人所依賴的事實及他所尋求的濟助;及
(c) 附同訂明費用,
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 15
而反對人須在提交該通知的同時,將該通知及陳述的副本送交該專利的所有人。 (2004年第37號法
律公告)
(4) 專利的所有人如欲繼續進行放棄專利一事,須在自上述副本送交他的日期起計3個月內,提
交反陳述,而該反陳述須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 詳盡列出其反對該項被反對的放棄專利提議的理由;及
(c) 附同訂明費用,
而該所有人將該反陳述的副本送交反對人。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(5) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
條: 41 處長根據本條例第49條以公共秩序或道德為理由撤銷專利 的權力
L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 就某發明在顧及本條例第93(5)條所指明的任何事宜後是否屬一項可享專利的發明的問題而
根據本條例第49(1)條向處長作出的轉介須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 附一份陳述,詳盡列出所尋求的轉介及作出轉介的人(“申請人”) 所依賴的事實;及
(c) 附同訂明費用。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(2) 申請人須在提交上述轉介的同時,將上述轉介及陳述的副本送交該專利的所有人。 (2004年
第37號法律公告)
(3) 該專利的所有人如欲對該項轉介提出抗辯,須在自上述轉介及陳述的副本送交的日期起計3
個月內,提交反陳述,該反陳述須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 詳盡列出反對該項被反對的轉介的理由;及
(c) 附同訂明費用,
而該所有人須將該反陳述的副本送交申請人。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(4) 申請人可在自反陳述的副本送交予他的日期起計3個月內,提交證據以支持其案,並須將該
證據的副本送交所有人。
(5) 該專利的所有人可在自申請人的證據的副本送交的日期起計3個月內或(如申請人並無提交
任何證據)在可提交上述證據的時間屆滿的3個月內,提交證據以支持其案,並須將該等證據的副本
送交申請人;申請人可在自所有人證據的副本的送交日期起計3個月內,提交嚴格限於作為答覆的事
宜的進一步證據,並須將其副本送交所有人。
(6) 除獲處長許可或指示外,不得提交進一步的證據。
(7) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
部: V 專利及申請的產權;註冊 30/06/1997
條: 42 就專利而供送達文件的地址 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 每名關涉於處長席前進行的任何法律程序的人,均須提交供送達文件的地址。
(2) 供送達文件的地址必須是在香港的住址或業務地址。
(3) 任何人可按照以下方式提交供送達文件的地址—
(a) (凡該人提交任何指明表格,而該表格規定填寫該表格的人須提供一個供送達文件的地
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 16
址)提交指明表格並在該表格述明供送達文件的地址;或
(b) (在任何其他情況下)以書面通知處長。
(4) 凡第(3)(a)款所提述的指明表格是以2人或多於2人的名義提交的,則在該表格上述明的供送
達文件的地址,須視為每名該等人士的供送達文件的地址。
(5) 專利的申請人或專利的所有人只可為於處長席前進行的關乎該項申請或專利的所有法律程
序的目的使用一個供送達文件的地址。
(6) 除非有根據本條提交另一個供送達文件的地址,否則任何專利的申請一經批予,有關的申
請人的供送達文件的地址須為於處長席前進行的關乎該專利的所有法律程序的目的,視為該專利的
所有人的供送達文件的地址。
(7) 凡任何人為於處長席前進行的任何法律程序的目的提交供送達文件的地址,該地址須視為
已取代該人已在過往為該等法律程序的目的提交的供送達文件的地址。
(8) 凡任何人成為於處長席前進行的法律程序的一方之後,第一次委任一名代理人或委任一名
代理人以取代另一名代理人,則該名新獲委任的代理人須提交供送達文件的地址。
(9) 在新獲委任的代理人提交供送達文件的地址的日期之前,本條例或本規則規定或授權由第
(8)款所提述的人在關乎所涉的法律程序的情況下作出或在該情況下向該人作出的任何作為,不得由
該代理人或向該代理人作出。
(10) 任何人可以書面通知處長而撤回其供送達文件的地址。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 42A 沒有提交供送達文件的地址 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡供送達文件的地址沒有按第42條的規定提交,或處長信納專利的所有人或於處長席前進
行的任何法律程序的任何一方的供送達文件的地址不再有效,處長可按第(2)款所提述的任何地址,
向有關的人送交要求該人提交供送達文件的地址的通知。
(2) 就第(1)款而言,有關地址為—
(a) 任何已在過往提交的有關的人的供送達文件的地址;
(b) 在註冊紀錄冊中顯示的該人在香港的任何地址;
(c) 該人在香港的任何住址或業務地址;及
(d) 處長所知的該人的任何其他地址。
(3) 如任何根據第(1)款獲送交通知的人沒有在該通知的日期後的2個月內提交供送達文件的地
址,則—
(a) 該人所提交的任何申請(專利的申請除外)、通知或請求須視為已遭放棄或撤回;及
(b) 如該人是於處長席前進行的任何法律程序中的一方(作為專利的申請人而屬一方則除
外),他須當作已退出該法律程序。
(4) 本條並不損害第17及68條的實施。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 43 註冊紀錄冊內的記項 30/06/1997
(1) (a) 在有關的記錄請求按照本條例第20條發表之前,不得就任何標準專利的申請而在註冊
紀錄冊內記入任何記項;或
(b) 在任何短期專利獲批予之前,不得就該項短期專利的申請而在註冊紀錄冊內記入任何
記項。
(2) 在標準專利的申請發表後或短期專利獲批予後,處長須安排將以下資料記入註冊紀錄冊─
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 17
(a) 申請人或所有人(視屬何情況而定)的姓名或名稱及地址;
(b) 據申請人或所有人所述相信是發明人的人的姓名或名稱;
(c) 發明的名稱;
(d) 該項專利的申請的提交日期及其申請編號;
(e) 為本條例第98或111條的施行而宣布的任何申請的提交日期及申請編號,以及提出該項
申請所在的國家、地區或地方或為其而提出該項申請的國家、地區或地方;
(f) 如屬標準專利的申請,則為相應指定專利申請的提交日期及發表編號;
(g) 該項標準專利申請的發表日期或短期專利的批予日期(視屬何情況而定);及
(h) 申請人或所有人(視屬何情況而定)的供送達文件地址。
(3) 處長亦須安排將以下資料記入註冊紀錄冊─
(a) 就任何專利或已發表的標準專利的申請而言─
(i) 供送達文件地址(如與按照第(2)(h)款作出的記項不同);
(ii) 關於本條例第52(3)條所提述的任何交易、文書或事件的通知;及
(b) 就任何標準專利或標準專利申請而言,除(a)段所指明事宜外,還有─
(i) 已發表的標準專利的申請被撤回、當作被撤回或被拒絕的日期;
(ii) 相應指定專利的批予日期;
(iii) 批予該標準專利的日期;
(iv) 獲批予標準專利的人的姓名或名稱及地址(如與按照第(2)(a)款作出的記項不同)。
(4) 處長可在任何時間在註冊紀錄冊中記入他認為合適的其他詳情。
條: 44 關於本條例第13(1)條的記項 30/06/1997
凡有任何問題根據本條例第13(1)條轉介處長,處長須在符合第43(1)條的情況下,安排將該項事
實及關乎該項轉介而處長認為合適的其他資料記入註冊紀錄冊內。
條: 45 姓名或名稱或地址的更改 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 任何人在更改其姓名或名稱後提出將該項更改記入註冊紀錄冊或記於任何已提交註冊處的
申請或其他文件的請求,須採用指明表格。
(2) 處長在因應更改姓名或名稱的請求而行事之前,可要求提供他認為合適的關於該項更改的
證明。
(3) 任何人為更改或更正其已記入註冊紀錄冊或已記於任何已提交予處長的申請或其他文件的
地址或供送達文件地址而提出的請求,須採用指明表格作出或以書面通知作出,並須指出該請求所
關乎的任何有關申請或專利。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(4) 如處長信納更改姓名或名稱的請求或更改或更正地址或供送達文件地址的請求是可予批准
的,他須安排將註冊紀錄冊或有關的申請或其他文件據此更改。
條: 46 與專利或專利申請有關的交易等的註冊 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 將本條例第52條所適用的任何交易、文書或事件註冊的申請或將該等事宜通知處長,須採
用指明表格,並須附同訂明費用。
(2) 第(1)款所指的申請或通知─
(a) 如關乎本條例第52(3)(a)或(c)條所提述的轉讓,須由轉讓人簽署或由他人代轉讓人簽
署; (2004年第37號法律公告)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 18
(b) 如關乎本條例第52(3)(b)或(c)條所提述的按揭或該條所述的特許、再授特許或抵押的批
予,須由按揭人或批予特許或抵押的人(視屬何情況而定)簽署或由他人代其簽署,
如未經如此簽署,則須附同足以證明該等交易、文書或事件的文件證據。
(3) 處長可指示須在他指明的期間內將他所規定的關乎上述申請或通知的證據送交予他。
(4) 第(1)款所指的申請或通知只有在沒有遵守於第(2)或(3)款或(如屬適當)本條例第50(6)條所訂
下條件的情況下方可予拒絕,如該項申請或通知被如此拒絕,將不會被視作為本條例第52(1)條所提
出的申請或通知。
條: 47 為更正在註冊紀錄冊上或在關乎註冊而提交的任何文件上
的錯誤而提出的請求
30/06/1997
(1) 除按第45(3)條所規定外,為更正在註冊紀錄冊上或在關乎註冊而提交予處長的任何文件上
任何錯誤而提出的請求─
(a) 須採用指明表格作出,而該項更正須在一份附於上述請求的文件上清楚指出,否則須
在該項請求上清楚指出;
(b) 須附同訂明費用。
(2) 處長可要求獲提供他所規定的為何提出上述請求的書面解釋或支持該項請求的證據,以令
他本人信納確有一項錯誤,而他在信納上述情況後,須作出他與有關專利的所有人或與申請人之間
所議定的更正。
條: 48 根據本條例第146條更正專利及申請中的錯誤 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 除在第45(3)條具有效力的情況外,為更正翻譯或謄寫上的錯誤或在某專利的任何說明書中
或專利的申請中或關乎專利或專利的申請而提交的任何文件中的文書上的錯誤而提出的請求須─
(a) 採用指明表格;
(b) 清楚指出所建議的更正;及
(c) 附同訂明費用,
而處長如認為合適,亦可規定該項更正須顯示於所尋求更正文件的副本上。
(2) 凡上述請求關乎某說明書,則說明書內不得作出任何更正,除非該項更正是明顯的,意即
須可即時看出原意即為所提出的更正而無其他意思,該項更正始可作出。
(3) 凡處長規定須刊登關於所建議的更正的公告,他須將上述請求及所建議更正的性質在官方
公報刊登公告。 (2001年第2號第19條)
(4) 任何人可在上述公告刊登的日期後2個月內的任何時間,向處長發出反對該項請求的通知。
(5) 上述通知須採用指明表格,並須以詳盡列出反對人所依賴的事實及所尋求的濟助的陳述支
持,且須附同訂明費用。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(6) 反對人須在提交上述通知的同時,將上述通知及陳述的副本送交提出上述請求的人。 (2004
年第37號法律公告)
(6A) 如提出上述請求的人欲繼續進行該項請求,他須在自上述副本送交予他的日期起計的3個月
內—
(a) 提交一份反陳述,該反陳述須採用指明表格,並須詳盡列出他對該項反對提出抗辯所
基於的理由;
(b) 繳付訂明費用;及
(c) 將該反陳述的副本送交反對人。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(7) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 19
條: 49 (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除) L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
條: 50 查閱註冊紀錄冊 30/06/1997
(1) 註冊紀錄冊或其上記項或記項的複製本須在按照本條例第148條所刊登的註冊處辦公時間內
提供予公眾查閱。
(2) 為獲得批准查閱註冊紀錄冊而提出的請求,須附同訂明費用(如有的話),但取得註冊紀錄冊
中記項的副本或註冊紀錄冊的摘錄的請求,只可按照第51條提出。
條: 51 處長所提供的證明書及副本 30/06/1997
(1) 除第(3)款另有規定外,在採用指明表格的書面請求經作出而訂明費用亦已繳付後,處長須
提供─
(a) 屬本條例第51(11)條所指的核證副本或核證摘錄;
(b) 本條例第51(10)條所指的證明書。
(2) 除第(3)款另有規定外,在書面請求經作出而訂明費用(如有的話)亦已繳付後,處長須提供
註冊紀錄冊上記項的未經核證副本或註冊紀錄冊的未經核證摘錄或本條例第51(11)(b)條所提述的任何
事物的未經核證副本或未經核證摘錄。
(3) 載於第89(1)條的對提供文件以供查閱的限制,同樣適用於處長根據本條提供第89(1)條所提
述的文件或請求的副本或摘錄,而本條任何條文均不得解釋為對處長施加提供第89(2)條所提述種類
的任何文件或檔案的副本或摘錄的責任。
條: 52 法院的命令或指示 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡法院根據本條例任何條文(本條例第46或102條除外)作出任何命令或給予任何指示,則該
命令或指示所惠及的人須向處長提交一份該命令或指示的蓋印副本。
(2) 凡法院根據本條例第46或102條作出任何命令,該命令所惠及的人須向處長提交該命令所提
述的顯示須作出的修訂的任何文件的副本,並連同本規則第56條所規定的該等文件的譯本一併提
交。
(3) 第(2)款所提述的文件及譯本,須按照法院作出的命令或給予的指示或法院規則在向處長提
交命令的副本時提交。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
部: VI 僱員的發明 30/06/1997
條: 53 根據本條例第58條提出申請的時限 30/06/1997
(1) 除第(2)款另有規定外,為本條例第58(1)及(2)條的施行而訂明的期間,為自有關專利獲批予
之時開始至該專利停止有效後一年屆滿的期間。
(2) 凡任何專利因沒有在為續期費的繳付而訂明的期間內繳付續期費而停止有效,而恢復該專
利的申請已根據本條例第40或127條提出,則─
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 20
(a) 如恢復的命令已予作出,第(1)款所指明的期間須繼續,猶如該專利一直維持有效一
樣;或
(b) 如恢復專利一事已被拒絕,第(1)款所指明的期間須視作在該專利停止有效後一年屆滿
或在該項拒絕後6個月屆滿,兩者以較遲者為準。
部: VII 專利的撤銷 30/06/1997
條: 54 本條例第91(1)(i)條所指的在指定專利當局進行的反對或撤 銷專利的法律程序
L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002
為本條例第91(1)(i)條的施行而訂明的反對或撤銷專利的法律程序如下─
(a) 在國家知識產權局,則為任何根據或按照《中華人民共和國專利法》第41至44條及《中
華人民共和國專利法實施細則》第55至63條在專利批予之後進行的撤銷專利的法律程
序; (2001年第2號第18條)
(b) 在歐洲專利局,則為任何根據或按照《歐洲專利公約》第V部在專利批予之後進行的反
對專利的法律程序。
條: 55 本條例第95(1)(b)條所指的展覽或會議 30/06/1997
為本條例第95(1)(b)條的施行而訂明的展覽或會議如下─
(a) 1928年11月22日在巴黎簽訂並適用於香港的《國際展覽公約》所指的正式或獲正式承認
的國際展覽;
(b) 獲中國政府贊助或承認的國際展覽或由中國政府國務院有關的主管部門或由獲中國政
府承認的全國性的學術或科技組織舉辦的學術或科技會議。
部: VIII 法律程序所採用的語文;真確文本 30/06/1997
條: 56 在處長席前進行的法律程序所採用的語文 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 除在本規則明文訂定的情況外,任何依據本條例或本規則提交予處長或送交註冊處的文件
或文件的部分,如非採用其中一種法定語文,則該文件或文件的部分須載有翻譯成有關法律程序所
採用的語文的譯本,而該譯本須述明翻譯人員的姓名及其公職身分(如有的話)。 (2004年第37號法律
公告)
(2) 為施行本條例第15(3)、23(4)及113(3)條及本規則第8、19及58條─
(a) 發明的名稱和撮錄如採用其中一種法定語文,則該名稱和撮錄須載有翻譯成另外一種
法定語文的譯本;
(b) 發明的名稱和撮錄如並非採用其中一種法定語文,則該名稱和撮錄須載有翻譯成兩種
法定語文的譯本;
(c) 申請人及發明人的姓名或名稱如並非採用羅馬字母亦非採用中文字,則該等姓名或名
稱須載有其以羅馬字母表達的音譯。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(3) 為施行本條例第15(2)(d)、23(3)(b)及113(2)(c)條,如支持本條例第15(2)(d)、23(3)(b)及113(2)(c)
條分別所指的陳述的任何文件並非採用其中一種法定語文,則該等文件須載有翻譯成有關法律程序
所採用的語文的譯本。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 21
(4) 無須就本條例第15(2)(a)條所提述的指定專利申請提供翻譯成有關法律程序所採用的語文或
其中一種法定語文的譯本。
(5) 無須就本條例第23(3)(a)條所提述的已發表的指定專利說明書提供翻譯成有關法律程序所採
用的語文或其中一種法定語文的譯本。
(6) 在處長席前進行的口頭的法律程序的任何一方,或由任何上述一方傳召以在該法律程序中
提供證據的證人或專家,可在以下情況下,亦只可在以下情況下,在該等法律程序中使用並非該法
律程序所採用的語文─
(a) 在所定下的進行該口頭的法律程序的日期不少於14天前,該一方就他擬如此行事和他
所擬採用的語文給予處長及任何其他各方通知;
(b) 該一方按處長所規定而提供該法律程序所採用的語文的傳譯;
(c) 該一方遵從處長在將該口頭的法律程序傳譯為另外一種法定語文方面和在該項傳譯服
務的開支方面所指明的任何規定。
(7) 處長可在任何在其席前進行的法律程序中,在經有關各方同意後,在他認為合適的條款下
給予關於使用並非該法律程序所採用的語文的法定語文的指示。
(8) 凡任何文件將會於處長席前進行的法律程序中作為證據之用,而該文件採用並非該法律程
序所採用的語文的另一語文,則處長可就該文件給予關乎以下事宜的指示─
(a) 提交採用該另一語文的該文件;
(b) 提交該文件翻譯成該法律程序所採用的語文的譯本。
(9) 處長可指明提交文件的任何譯本或提供任何採用法定語文的資料的期限;處長亦可應有關
法律程序任何一方的申請,在懲罰性費用獲繳付後,將上述期限按處長所認為合適者而延展。
(10) 凡申請人或所有人提出有關請求,而處長信納該項請求有好的理由,則處長可指示使並非
就本條例第104條而言正被用作為有關法律程序所採用的語文的法定語文,成為該等法律程序所採用
的語文,並作為該等法律程序所採用的語文使用,而處長的指示即據此具有效力。
條: 57 根據本條例第106(3)條提交經更正的譯本 30/06/1997
(1) 第12條就任何根據本條例第106(3)條提交的經更正的譯本適用,一如該條就組成記錄請求的
文件適用一樣。
(2) 繳付為施行本條例第106(3)條就經更正的譯本的發表而訂明的費用,須藉提交採用指明表格
的發表請求並附同該費用而作出。
(3) 為施行本條例第106(3)條而訂明的繳付訂明費用的期限,須為自提交經更正的譯本當日起計
的14天內。
部: IX 短期專利的申請 30/06/1997
條: 58 根據本條例第113條申請批予短期專利 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 根據本條例第113或125條要求批予短期專利的申請須採用指明表格。
(2) 短期專利的申請所載的說明書,須述明有關發明的名稱,並包括以下資料—
(a) 該項發明的說明;
(b) 一項或多於一項權利要求,但不得超逾一項獨立的權利要求;
(c) 上述說明或權利要求中提述的任何繪圖。 (2002年第48號法律公告)
(3) 發明的名稱須簡短,並須指出該項發明所關乎的事宜。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 22
(4) 說明須包括一列表,簡述繪圖(如有的話)中的圖形。
(5) 批予短期專利的申請須載有以下各項─
(a) 第72條所訂明的查檢報告;
(b) (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
(c) 如屬申請人正根據本條例第111條聲稱具有某一過往的申請的優先權的情況,則須載有
第69條所訂明的優先權陳述書及該項過往的申請的副本; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(d) 根據本條例第119條為將專利的批予押後一段指明的期間而提出的任何請求;
(e) 如聲稱是關於本條例第109(a)條所提述的對發明作出不具損害性的披露,則須載有其意
是該項發明已按照該段展示的陳述,並連同支持該陳述的書面證據;
(f) 本條例第109條所規定的關於該條(b)段所提述的對發明的不具損害性披露的任何陳述,
並連同如本規則第70條所訂明的支持該陳述的書面證據;
(g) 發明人的姓名或名稱及地址;
(h) 一份組成該項申請的文件的列表,並指出每份該等文件的張數。
條: 59 說明 30/06/1997
(1) 說明須─
(a) 指明有關發明所關乎的技術範疇;
(b) 指出盡該申請人所知的能夠視為對理解該項發明有用的背景技術,並且最好是引用反
映該項技術的文件;
(c) 以能讓人理解有關技術難題(縱使該難題並非明文述明為技術難題)及其解決辦法的用
語,披露一如所聲稱具有權利的發明,並須述明相對於背景技術而言,該項發明的任
何有利的效用;
(d) 簡述在繪圖(如有的話)中的任何圖形;
(e) 藉引述繪圖(如有的話)和於適當時舉例而詳述至少一種用以實施所聲稱具有權利的發明
的方法;
(f) 如從該說明或該項發明的性質來看,能將該項發明作在工業上利用的方法並不明顯,
則須明確指出該方法。
(2) 說明須以第(1)款指明的方式及次序呈示,但如因該項發明的性質,以不同方式或不同次序
呈示能使人較易明白並屬較為省儉的呈示,則不在此限。
條: 60 繪圖 30/06/1997
(1) (a) 屬短期專利的申請的組成部分的繪圖,須繪於可用表面積不超逾26.2厘米 x 17厘米的圖
紙上。
(b) 該等圖紙的可用表面或已用表面的周圍不得圍框。
(c) 頁邊須最少留空如下─
頂部 2.5厘米
左邊 2.5厘米
右邊 1.5厘米
底部 1.0厘米。
(2) 繪圖須以下列方式作出─
(a) 以耐久的、足夠濃稠及深沉的、粗度一致的及明確的黑線條及筆劃不着色繪製,以便
複製效果令人滿意的複製本;
(b) 橫剖面須加上影線顯示,影線不得妨礙圖中的參考標誌及主線條的清楚閱覽;
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 23
(c) 繪圖的比例及其圖形繪畫的清晰程度,須在將繪圖的長短尺寸上縮小為三分之二影印
複製後,其所有細節仍能夠容易得以辨別;而如屬在繪圖上提供比例的例外情況,該
比例須以圖形表示;
(d) 出現於繪圖上的所有數目、字母及參考標誌須簡單清楚,而括號、圓圈及英式引號不
得聯同數目、字母及字體使用;
(e) 繪圖中的所有線條一般均須以繪圖儀器輔助而繪畫;
(f) 同一圖形中的各元件須互相合乎比例,但如為圖形的清晰起見而必須使用不同的比
例,則不在此限;
(g) 數目、字母及字體的高度須不少於0.32厘米,而繪圖中的字母須為拉丁字母,而在合乎
慣例的情況下,須視乎適當而使用希臘字母或中文字;
(h) 凡同一張繪圖載有多個圖形,該等不同的圖形所獲安排的位置須不浪費空間以及各自
清楚地與其他圖形分隔,該等不同的圖形須以連續的亞拉伯數字編號,該等編號須獨
立於圖紙的編號;
(i) 凡繪畫於2張或多於2張圖紙上的圖形是預定組成為一整個圖形的,則在該等圖紙上的
圖形須以能夠合併成一整個圖形而沒有遮蓋該等部分圖形任何部分的方式安排位置;
(j) 說明及權利要求中沒有述及的參考標誌不得出現在繪圖中,反之亦然;由參考標誌表
示的同一特徵,在整份申請中須由同一標誌表示;
(k) 繪圖不得載有文句,但為理解繪圖而需要的單字或詞句(如“water” 、“steam”、
“open”、“close”、“section on AA”或(如屬適當)相等意思的中文字或詞句)則屬例
外;就電路圖、方框示意圖或流程圖而言,則可載有少量為理解該等圖而必須使用的
簡短提示性字或詞句或(如屬適當)相等意思的中文字或詞句;任何該等字或詞句的放置
方式須使該等字或詞句在有需要時能夠在不干擾繪圖的任何線條的情況下由其譯文取
代;
(l) 各張繪圖須按照第62條編號。
(3) 就本規則而言,流程圖及流程簡圖須當作繪圖。
條: 61 撮錄 30/06/1997
(1) 撮錄須以有關發明的名稱作為開始。
(2) 撮錄須載有說明書所載事宜的簡潔摘要;該摘要須指出該項發明所屬的技術範疇,並須以
能讓人對該項發明所關乎的技術難題、通過該項發明解決該技術難題的辦法的要點以及該項發明的
一個或多於一個主要用途得以清楚理解的方法草擬;如屬適當,撮錄亦須載有說明書所載各項中最
能顯示出該項發明的特徵的化學程式;撮錄不得載有關於該項發明的指稱可取之處或價值或其純理
論的應用的陳述。
(3) 一般而言,撮錄不得載有多於200個中文字或150個英文字,視何者適用而定。
(4) 如說明書載有任何繪圖,申請人須在撮錄中指出該等繪圖中的某一圖形(或在特殊情況下多
於一個的圖形)為他建議在撮錄發表時所應附同的圖形;處長如認為某一或某等其他圖形能較佳地顯
示出該項發明的特徵,可決定將其發表;在撮錄中述及的並由繪圖說明的每項主要特徵,後面須加
上置於括號中的在該繪圖中使用的參考標誌。
條: 62 文件的大小及呈示 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 組成短期專利的申請的所有文件的呈示方式,須容許─
(a) 藉攝影、影印、照相膠印及縮微攝製將其複製成無限數量的副本;及 (2004年第37號法
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 24
律公告)
(b) 藉一台能夠留存文件影像的器具將該等文件掃描,然後將該影像轉化為一種適合由電
腦貯存和檢索的形式。
(2) 組成一項申請的所有紙張均須沒有裂縫、摺縫和摺叠,並只可使用紙張的一面。
(3) 所有文件均須採用柔靱、強固、白色、平滑、無光澤及耐用的A4紙(29.7厘米 x 21厘米)。
(4) 上述每份文件均須在新的一張紙開始;而各紙張須以使其能容易翻轉、分開和再連在一起
的方法連接。
(5)-(6) (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
(7) 上述文件包含的所有紙張,均須以連續的亞拉伯數字編號。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(8) (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
(9) (a) 說明、權利請求及撮錄不得載有繪圖。
(b) 說明、權利請求及撮錄可載有化學程式或數學程式。
(c) 說明及撮錄可載有列表;而權利請求則只有在其標的事項適宜使用列表的情況下方可
使用列表。
(d) 如列表及化學程式或數學程式不能以令人滿意的方式在紙張上以豎直位置呈示,則可
側放於頁上;呈示於頁上側放呈示列表、化學程式或數學程式的紙張時,列表、化學
程式或數學程式的頂部須在紙的左邊。
(10) 在所有文件中─
(a) 重量及計量須以十進制單位表達;如以其他單位表達,則須同時以十進制單位表達;
(b) 其他物理數值須以國際公認的單位表達;
(c) 在述明數學程式或化學程式時,須使用獲普遍採用的符號、原子量及分子式;及
(d) 一般而言,所採用的科技詞語、標誌及符號應為在有關範疇內獲普遍接受者。
(11) 如某程式、分子式或符號於說明書中獲採用,則處長如指示須提交一份以製備繪圖的相同
方式製備的說明書,該說明書即須如此提交。
(12) 在整份申請中的術語及標誌,須保持一致。
(13) 所有文件須在合理範圍內沒有刪除及其他更改、叠寫及行間書寫,無論如何,該等文件均
須清晰可閱。
(14) 如任何文件的內容真確性不成疑問,而關於妥善複製該等文件的規定亦沒有受危害,或在
處長認為合適的其他情況下,處長可豁免該等文件,使其無須符合本條或第60條的任何條文。
(15) 就以國際申請為基礎而根據本條例第125條提出的短期專利的申請而言,組成國際申請的文
件須視為符合本條的規定,而無須理會根據第(14)款批予的任何豁免。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 63 陳述、反陳述及證據的格式 30/06/1997
除處長另有指示外,所提交的任何陳述、反陳述或證據均須符合第62(1)及(3)條的規定,但就法
定聲明及證據而言,則可使用紙張的兩面。
條: 64 權利要求 30/06/1997
(1) 權利要求須以有關發明的技術特徵界定所尋求保護的事宜,如情況適當,權利要求須載有
─
(a) 一項陳述,而該陳述須指出該項發明的標的事項的指定,並指出為界定所聲稱具有權
利的標的事項而需要的各項技術特徵,但該等技術特徵合併起來屬於先有技術的一部
分者;
(b) 一個冠以“characterized in that”或“characterized by”的詞句或(如屬適當)相等意思的中
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 25
文字或詞句的顯示出特徵的部分,述明與(a)段所述的特徵一起欲獲得保護的技術特
徵。
(2) 在任何述明一項發明的基要特徵的獨立權利要求提出之後,可繼而提出關於該項發明的某
些體現的一項或多於一項的從屬權利要求。
(3) (a) 凡任何權利要求包括任何其他權利要求(“從屬權利要求”)的所有此等特徵,首述的權
利要求須載有(如屬可能,在其開首處載有)該其他權利要求的提述,然後須述明其欲保
護的額外特徵。
(b) 凡任何從屬權利要求所直接提述的權利要求本身是從屬權利要求,則該首述的權利要
求亦可予接納。
(c) 所有提述單一項過往的權利要求的從屬權利要求以及所有提述數項過往的權利要求的
從屬權利要求,須在可能範圍內以最適當的方法加以組合。
(4) 權利要求的數目在考慮所聲稱具有權利的發明的性質後須屬合理;如有數項權利要求,該
等權利要求須以連續的亞拉伯數字編號。
(5) 除有絕對必要外,權利要求不得在有關發明的技術特徵方面依賴對說明或繪圖的提述,且
尤其不得依賴諸如以下提述︰“as described in part ... of the description”或“as illustrated in figure ... of
the drawings”或(如屬適當)相等意思的中文字或詞句。
(6) 凡申請載有繪圖,則如能夠提高權利要求的可理解程度的話,在權利要求中述及的技術特
徵之後最好加上置於括號中的關於該等特徵的參考標誌;該等參考標誌不得解釋為局限該項權利要
求。
條: 65 當申請人並非發明人或唯一發明人時的程序 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
凡申請人並非發明人,則─
(a) 本條例第113(2)(c)條所規定的任何陳述須採用指明表格;及
(b) 處長須將上述陳述的副本送交每名並非其中一名申請人的發明人。 (2004年第37號法律
公告)
條: 66 由處長發出收據 30/06/1997
處長在首次收到構成一項短期專利的申請的任何文件後,須─
(a) 在該等文件上標明處長收到該等文件的日期;
(b) 編配一個申請編號予該項申請;及
(c) 向申請人發出收據,該收據須顯示該申請編號、所收到文件的性質和數目及收到該等
文件的日期。
條: 67 繼根據本條例第114條在提交時審查之後作出的傳達 30/06/1997
(1) 如任何短期專利申請不符合本條例第114(2)條所指明的任何最低限度的規定,處長須將已披
露的不足之處傳達申請人,並告知他除非他在自該傳達的日期起計1個月內對所披露的不足之處作出
補救,否則其短期專利的申請不得作為短期專利的申請處理。
(2) 如申請人在該期間內補救所披露的不足之處,處長須告知申請人該項短期專利申請獲設定
的提交日期。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 26
條: 68 糾正在短期專利申請中的不足之處 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 如本條例第115(1)條所訂的審查顯露有關的短期專利申請中的不足之處,處長須據此告知申
請人,並促請他在自通知的日期起計2個月的期間內對該等不足之處作出補救;但就根據本條例第
111條聲稱對某一過往的申請具有優先權的申請人而言,如該項短期專利申請的不足之處是沒有提交
該項過往的申請的副本連同該項申請的譯本(視本規則第69條就情況所須而定),則處長須指明一段自
其後申請的提交日期起計不少於3個月的期間,而申請人可在該期間內對上述不足之處作出補救。
(2004年第37號法律公)
(2) 處長可因應申請人在該期間屆滿前呈交的請求,並在獲繳付訂明費用後,將該期間進一步
延展2個月。
(3) 如處長在任何個案中信納申請人沒有在根據第(1)或(2)款獲寬限的期間內補救上述不足之處
是完全或主要可歸因於─
(a) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的郵遞服務的失效或不當延誤;或
(b) 在香港或在指定專利當局所在的國家、地區或地方的任何自然災害或罷工,
則處長可批准將該期間進一步延展,為期一段他認為合理但不超逾2個月的期間。
(4) 凡─
(a) 短期專利的申請包括根據本條例第119條提出的押後批予專利的請求;及
(b) 該項短期專利申請在第(1)、(2)及(3)款(視情況而適用)所指明期間屆滿時唯一的不足之
處是沒有提交本條例第113(1)(d)條所指的查檢報告,
則申請人可請求將提交查檢報告的時間延展至某一日期,該日期不得遲於經押後的批予專利日期屆
滿之前的一個月。 (1997年第402號法律公告)
(5) 如該項短期專利申請在第(1)、(2)及(3)款(視情況而適用)所指明的期間屆滿後唯一的不足之
處是沒有提交第56(2)(a)及(b)條所提述的發明的名稱或撮錄的譯本或是沒有提交第56(2)(c)條所提述的
申請人或發明人的姓名或名稱的音譯,則處長可因應申請人的請求而寬限申請人可在一段指明的期
間內在繳付一筆懲罰性費用後為該項不足之處作出妥善補救。
(6) 如提交費或公告費未有在本條例第113(5)條所訂的時限內繳付,則於指出未有遵守時限的通
知傳達後的1個月寬限期內,在(亦只有在)一筆附加費已予繳付的情況下,提交費或公告費仍可有效
地繳付。
條: 69 根據本條例第111條聲稱具有優先權 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 本條例第111條所指的優先權陳述書須在提交短期專利的申請之時作出,並須述明在該陳述
書內指明的任何申請的提交日期及申請編號以及該項申請是在那一國家、地區或地方或為那一國
家、地區或地方提出的。
(2) 就根據本條例第116條提交的新的申請而言,並非亦在較早的申請中作出的任何優先權陳述
書不得在該項新的申請中作出。
(3) 本條例第111(1)條所提述的過往的申請的副本,須附同由收到該項申請的主管當局發出並述
明該項申請的提交日期的證明書的副本。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(4) 如上述過往的申請並非採用其中一種法定語文,則該申請須附同符合第56條的譯本,但處
長須接納發明的名稱、權利要求及提交日期的譯本連同申請人的姓名或名稱以羅馬字母表達的音譯
已足以符合第56條的規定。
(5) 如上述過往的申請是根據本條例提出的申請,則申請人可請求處長在訂明費用獲繳付後將
該項過往的申請的副本包括在專利申請內。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 27
條: 70 根據本條例第109(b)條就不具損害性披露作出的聲稱 30/06/1997
為施行本條例第109條就一如該條(b)段所訂的不具損害性的披露而訂明的書面證據如下─
(a) 由負責舉辦有關展覽的主管當局在該展覽上發出的證明書,述明─
(i) 有關發明確實曾在該處展覽;
(ii) 該展覽的開幕日期,如並非於開幕日期首次披露該項發明,則亦須述明首次披露
該項發明的日期;
(b) 該項發明經主管當局妥為認證的識別方法。
條: 71 查檢主管當局 30/06/1997
為施行本條例第113(8)(a)條而訂明的查檢主管當局如下─
(a) 根據《專利合作條約》第16條委任的各個國際查檢主管當局;
(b) 根據本條例第8條為施行本條例而指定的各個專利當局。
條: 72 查檢報告的內容 30/06/1997
查檢報告須─
(a) 以名稱識別製備該報告的查檢主管當局;
(b) 註明日期,並須顯示實際上完成查檢的日期;
(c) 載有其標的事項按照國際專利分類法所屬的分類;
(d) 載有被認為屬有關的文件的引稱;
(e) 列出所查檢的範疇的識別分類;
(f) 載有負責該報告的查檢主管當局人員的姓名。
條: 73 本條例第128條所指關乎就微生物而提出的申請的規定 30/06/1997
附表1就某些須使用微生物實行的短期專利的申請而具有效力。
條: 74 根據本條例第116條提出的短期專利的分開申請 30/06/1997
(1) 除本條例第122條另有規定外,本條例第116條所指的新的短期專利申請可在較早的申請提
交後的任何時間提交,但在該項較早的申請已被拒絕、撤回或當作被撤回後,則不得提交一項新的
申請。
(2) 較早的申請及新的申請的說明及繪圖須在可行範圍內只關乎每一該等申請所尋求保護的事
宜;但如一項申請在說明所尋求保護的事宜時有需要提述另一項申請,則該項提述須包括該另一項
申請的申請編號,並須指出在該另一項申請中所要求保護的事宜。
部: X 批予短期專利以及批予短期專利前的程序 30/06/1997
條: 75 根據本條例第120條修訂短期專利的申請 30/06/1997
(1) 除第45(3)條另有規定外,根據本條例第120條提出的修訂短期專利的申請的申請須採用指明
表格,並須清楚指出所建議的修訂及述明作出修訂的理由。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 28
(2) 凡建議的是對說明、權利要求或繪圖作出的修訂,處長如認為合適,可規定須在處長指明
的時間內提交經修訂的新說明書或繪圖,該說明書或繪圖須按照第59、60、61、62及64條製備。
條: 76 根據本條例第123條請求恢復短期專利的申請的通知 30/06/1997
本條例第123條所指為請求恢復某項短期專利的申請而作出的通知,須採用指明表格,並附同訂
明的附加費。
條: 77 根據本條例第123條申請恢復關於短期專利的申請的權利 30/06/1997
根據本條例第123條為恢復已喪失的關乎某項短期專利的申請的權利而提出的申請,須採用指明
表格,並附同訂明的附加費。
條: 78 根據本條例第125條提出的以國際申請為基礎的短期專利 申請
L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002
(1) 本 條 例 第 125(2) 條 提 述 的 其 他 日 期 即 國 家 知 識 產 權 局 的 國 家 申 請 號 通 知 書 (National
Application Notification)的發文日(the date of the issuance)後6個月內的任何日期。 (2001年第2號第18條)
(2) 在第(1)款所指明日期內提出的申請須附同國家申請號通知書(National Application Notification)
的副本一份。
部: XI 關於批予專利後的短期專利的條文 30/06/1997
條: 79 短期專利的續期 30/06/1997
(1) 繳付為施行本條例第126(2)或(3)條所訂明的續期費,須藉提交採用指明表格的續期請求並附
同續期費而作出。
(2) 處長在收到已填妥的續期請求及續期費後,須發出繳費確認書。
(3) 如依據本條例第126(2)或(3)條繳付續期費的期間已屆滿,處長可在該條所訂的最後繳費日期
後6個星期內而續期費仍未予繳付時,向有關的短期專利的所有人送交通知,提醒他已逾期而仍未繳
費及不繳費的後果。
(4) 第(3)款所指送交所有人的通知須送交─
(a) 所有人為此目的而呈報的在香港的地址;或
(b) (如並無呈報任何地址)記入註冊紀錄冊的供送達文件地址。
(5) 按照本條例第126(5)條所訂的方式繳付過期未付的續期費,須藉提交採用指明表格的續期請
求並附同續期費及為施行該款而訂明的任何附加費而作出。
條: 80 短期專利已失效的通知 30/06/1997
凡─
(a) 任何短期專利因續期費在為施行本條例第126(2)或(3)條所訂明的期間內未予繳付而停止
有效;及
(b) 續期費及本條例第126(5)條所指的訂明附加費在該款所指明的延展期屆滿後仍未予繳
付,
則處長須在該延展期屆滿後的6個星期內將該項事實通知該短期專利的所有人,並促請他注意本條例
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 29
第127條的條文。
條: 81 根據本條例第127條恢復已失效的短期專利 30/06/1997
第34條經作出所需變通後適用於短期專利,猶如在該條中提述標準專利即提述短期專利而提述
本條例第40條即提述藉本條例第127條適用的該條一樣。
部: XII 聆訊及代理人 30/06/1997
條: 82 處長的酌情決定權 30/06/1997
(1) 如處長行使本條例或本規則給予他的任何酌情決定權而對任何人不利,則在如此行使該酌
情決定權之前,如將受如此影響的人提出要求,處長須就此事聆聽其陳詞。
(2) 凡有人對某項申請提出反對或就某項酌情決定權的行使提出建議,第(1)款所指的要求聆訊
的請求,須在自提交請求的人收到處長送交予他關於該項反對或建議的通知的日期起計1個月內提
交。
(3) 處長於收到根據第(2)款提交的請求後,須向提出請求的人送交聆聽其陳詞的時間的通知,
而該時間不得早於該人收到該通知的日期後10天。
(4) 在各方之間的法律程序中,除非處長同意而另一方亦贊成,否則任何一方如擬在聆訊中提
述任何未曾在該法律程序中述及的文件,須將擬作該項提述的意向,向處長及另一方給予至少10天
通知,通知並須連同該文件的細節或副本。
(5) 處長在聆聽任何意欲作出陳詞的人的陳詞後,處長須就有關事宜作出決定並將其決定通知
各方,而任何一方如提出要求,處長須給予其作出該決定的理由。
條: 83 公開聆訊 30/06/1997
(1) 除第(2)款另有規定外─
(a) 任何兩方或多於兩方之間就關乎專利的事宜的任何爭議而在處長席前進行的任何聆
訊;及
(b) 關乎任何標準專利的申請而在記錄請求按照本條例第20條發表後進行的上述聆訊,
須公開進行。
(2) 處長可在諮詢親自出席或由他人代表出席第(1)款所適用的聆訊的上述爭議各方後,指示該
聆訊不公開進行。
條: 84 由合夥、公司及組織簽署文件 30/06/1997
(1) 為或代任何商號簽署的文件,須由該商號的各合夥人或任何述明代該商號簽署的合夥人或
令處長信納是獲授權簽署該文件的任何其他人所簽署。
(2) 為或代任何法人團體簽署的文件,須由該團體的董事、秘書或其他主要人員或令處長信納
是獲授權簽署該文件的任何其他人所簽署。
(3) 為或代任何非法人團體或任何組織(商號除外)簽署的文件,可由令處長信納是獲授權簽署該
文件的任何人所簽署。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 30
條: 85 代理人 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 除本規則另有規定外,但在不損害第84條的原則下,根據本條例或本規則須或准許由任何
人或對任何人作出的任何作為,可由或對獲該人授權的代理人作出。
(2) 處長可在任何個別情況下要求任何人親自簽署或出席。
(3) 處長可藉送交代理人的書面通知規定該代理人出示其權限證明。
(4) 獲另一人授權擔任該另一人的代理人的人,須在他首次以代理人身分行事之時或之前,將
其在香港的居住地址或進行其業務活動的地址通知處長,而該通知須採用指明表格或須是書面通
知。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(5) 根據第(4)款給予通知的人如更改其在香港的居住地址或進行其業務活動的地址,他須於其
後在切實可行範圍內盡快將該項更改通知處長,而該項通知須採用指明表格或須是書面通知。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
(6) 在任何人的代理人按照第(4)款通知處長的日期之前,本條例或本規則規定或授權由該人作
出或向該人作出的任何作為,不得由該代理人作出或向該代理人作出。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(7) 處長可拒絕就本條例或本規則下的任何事務而承認下列人士為代理人—
(a) 曾被裁定犯了刑事罪行的人;
(b) 姓名從根據及按照《法律執業者條例》(第159章)備存的大律師登記冊或律師登記冊上
被剔除的人或被暫時停止以大律師或律師的身分行事的人;
(c) 其中一名合夥人或董事是處長可根據(a)或(b)段拒絕承認為代理人的人的合夥或法人團
體;
(d) 根據《公司條例》(第32章)第168E、168F、168G、168H、168J或168L條作出的取消資格
令所針對的人;
(e) 根據被廢除的《證券(內幕交易)條例》(第395章)第23(1)(a)或24(1)條作出的命令所針對的
人;或
(f) 根據《證券及期貨條例》(第571章)第214(2)(d)、257(1)(a)、258(1)或303(2)(a)條作出的命
令所針對的人。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
註: 本條例第140(4)條規定處長須拒絕承認任何既非居於香港亦非在香港有業務地址的人為代理
人。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 86 於根據本條例第49條在處長席前進行的法律程序中訟費的 判給
30/06/1997
如於根據本條例第49條在處長席前進行的法律程序中,專利所有人根據本條例第48條提議放棄
其專利,則處長在決定應否向將某項發明是否一項可享專利的發明此一問題轉介的人判給訟費時,
須考慮假如該名將問題轉介的人在將問題轉介之前已給予該所有人合理時間的通知,上述法律程序
是否本可避免。
條: 87 訟費保證金 30/06/1997
如任何下列人士─
(a) 根據本條例第13條向處長作出轉介的人;
(b) 根據本條例第49條將某項發明是否一項可享專利的發明此一問題向處長轉介的人;
(c) 根據本條例第48(2)或146(2)條向處長發出反對通知的人,
既非居於香港亦非在香港經營業務,處長可規定他須為有關法律程序的訟費或開支提供保證金,而
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 31
如該人沒有提供該保證金,則處長可將上述轉介、申請或通知視作已遭放棄。
部: XIII 資料及查閱 30/06/1997
條: 88 根據本條例第147條請求提供資料 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 根據本條例第147條提出的提供資料請求─
(a) 在資料是關於任何標準專利或標準專利申請的情況下,可就以下事宜提出─
(i) 記錄請求已於何時發表;
(ii) 標準專利已於何時批予;
(iii) 就已發表的標準專利的申請而言,申請已於何時被撤回、當作已被撤回或於何時
已被拒絕;
(iv) 維持費是否未有在本條例第33(2)條指明的期間內繳付;
(v) 維持費已於何時在本條例第33(4)條指明的進一步期間內繳付;
(vi) 續期費是否未有在本條例第39(2)條指明的期間內繳付;
(vii) 續期費已於何時在本條例第39(4)條所指明的進一步期間內繳付;
(b) 在資料是關於任何短期專利的批予的情況下,可就以下事宜提出─
(i) 短期專利已於何時批予;
(ii) 續期費是否未有在本條例第126(2)或(3)條指明的期間內繳付;
(iii) 續期費已於何時在本條例第126(5)條指明的進一步期間內繳付;
(c) 在資料是關於任何專利或專利申請的情況下,可就以下事宜提出─
(i) 某專利已於何時停止有效或某專利的恢復申請已於何時提交,或該兩項事宜;
(ii) 某記項已於何時記入註冊紀錄冊或要求將該記項記入的申請已於何時提出;
(iii) 涉及註冊紀錄冊內的記項或官方公報內的公告而提出的任何申請或請求或採取的
任何行動已於何時提出或作出(如該項申請、請求或行動的性質已在該項請求中指
明);及 (2001年第2號第19條)
(iv) 任何文件可於何時按照第89或90條的條文查閱。
(2) 任何上述請求須採用指明表格。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 89 限制根據本條例第147條查閱文件 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 為本條例第147(1)條的施行就提供資料或查閱文件而訂明的限制如下─
(a) 任何文件只有於其在註冊處提交的14天後方可公開予人查閱;
(b) 在註冊處內製備而只供在註冊處內使用的文件不得公開予人查閱;
(c) 任何送交註冊處以供查閱及其後交回送交人的文件,不論是否應註冊處的請求而送
交,均不得公開予人查閱;
(d) 根據本規則第50(2)、51(2)或88條或本條例第147條提出的任何請求均不得公開予人查
閱; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(e) 處長根據第90條就其發出指示規定須將其視作機密的文件,不得公開予人查閱,但如
按照該條而獲准許,則屬例外; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(f) 任何由註冊處發出而處長認為應視作機密的文件,均不得公開予人查閱,但如處長另
有指示,則不在此限;及 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(g) 在符合(a)至( f)段所訂明的限制的情況下,只有由註冊處備存的文件方可公開予人查
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 32
閱。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(2) 本條例第147條不得解釋為向處長施加將任何以下文件或文件任何部分提供予公眾查閱的責
任─
(a) 他認為以相當可能對任何人造成損害的方式貶低該人者;或
(b) 他認為一般人會預期其發表或利用是會慫恿他人作出令人反感、不道德或反社會行為
者。
條: 90 機密文件 30/06/1997
(1) 凡提交或送交處長的文件並非根據本條例第150條已為其指明表格者,則送交或提交該文件
的人,或該文件所關乎的法律程序的任何一方,可在該文件提交或送交的14天內,請求(須提出該項
請求所據的理由)處長指示將該文件或他所指明的任何部分視為機密,而處長可酌情如此作出指示;
但在處長考慮該項請求的期間,該文件或該文件的該部分(在本條提述為有關文件)不得公開予公眾
查閱。
(2) 凡上述指示已作出且並未撤回,則本條不得當作授權或規定任何人獲批准查閱該項指示所
關乎的有關文件,但獲處長許可者則屬例外。
(3) 凡有指示根據本條應上述請求而作出,則處長在未事先諮詢提出該項請求的人的情況下,
不得撤回該項指示亦不得給予任何人查閱未予撤回的指示所關乎的有關文件的許可,但如處長信納
上述事先諮詢並非合理地切實可行,則屬例外。
(4) 凡上述指示已作出或撤回,則該項事實的紀錄須與該項指示所關乎的有關文件一起存檔。
(5) 凡第(1)款所提述的期間已根據第100條延展,則有關文件在該延展期屆滿前不得公開予公眾
查閱,如該期間在屆滿後獲得延展,則有關文件在該延展期屆滿前須停止公開予公眾查閱;如作出
指示的請求已予提出,則在處長正在就該事宜作出決定之時,有關文件不得公開予公眾查閱。
條: 91 本條例第147(3)條所指的目錄資料 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
為本條例第147(3)條的施行而訂明的目錄資料如下─
(a) 申請編號;
(b) 申請的提交日期,如已有陳述書根據本條例第111(1)條作出,則另加該陳述書中提述的
每項申請的提交日期、所屬國家及申請編號(當獲得提供時);
(c) 申請人的姓名或名稱;
(ca) 關乎申請的供送達文件的地址; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(cb) (如申請是由代理人提交的)該代理人的姓名或名稱及其在香港的居住地址或進行其業務
活動的地址; (2004年第37號法律公告)
(cc) 任何人根據第3條須由處長向任何其他人傳達的姓名或名稱及地址; (2004年第37號法
律公告)
(d) 有關發明的名稱;
(e) 如申請已被撤回、當作已被撤回或申請已被拒絕,則為該事實;及
(f) 申請人姓名或名稱根據第45條作出的更改。
條: 92 在本條例第147(4)或(5)條適用的情況下請求提供資料 30/06/1997
(1) 凡有本條例第147(4)或(5)條所指明的情況存在,則根據本條例第147(1)條提出的請求須附同
一份證實有該等情況存在的法定聲明及處長所須的支持該項請求的文件證據(如有的話)。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 33
(2) 處長須將上述請求、聲明及證據(如有的話)的副本送交有關專利的申請人,而處長在送交上
述文件後14天屆滿前不得順應該項請求。
部: XIV 雜項條文 30/06/1997
條: 93 向處長提交文件 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 本條例或本規則規定或授權向處長提交的任何文件或其他東西,必須在註冊處的正常辦公
時間內於註冊處由專人交付予處長,或以郵遞方式送交處長。
(2) 凡文件或其他東西是載於一封妥當地擬備並妥當地註明處長為收件人的已預付郵資的信件
內,且該信件妥為寄往註冊處辦事處,則以郵遞方式送交該文件或東西即當作已完成,而該文件或
東西須當作在處長於註冊處實際收到該信件的時間收到。
(3) 向處長提交文件或其他東西,須當作在該文件或東西由處長於註冊處收到並被記錄為已收
到的時間完成。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 93A 電子提交 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 處長可酌情准許提交某文件或其他東西的電子紀錄,作為以紙張或其他實物形式向處長提
交該文件或東西以外的選擇。
(2) 處長可酌情准許採用電子方法將某文件或其他東西的電子紀錄送交至處長指定的資訊系
統,作為以第93條所訂定的方式向處長交付或送交該文件或東西以外的選擇。
(3) 提交電子紀錄及採用電子方法將電子紀錄送交至根據第(2)款指定的資訊系統,須受處長藉
在官方公報公布的公告而就一般情況指明的條款所規限,或受藉給予欲提交電子紀錄或採用電子方
法向處長送交電子紀錄的人的通知而就任何個別個案指明的條款所規限。
(4) 凡某電子紀錄形式的文件或其他東西是按照本條採用電子方法送交至根據第(2)款指定的資
訊系統,則提交該文件或東西須當作在該指定資訊系統接受該電子紀錄的時間完成。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 93B 電子提交的條款 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 在不局限第93A(3)條的一般性的原則下,處長可根據該條指明—
(a) 訂定製作或送交電子紀錄所必須沿用的程序須由處長核准的條款;
(b) 訂定記錄或貯存電子紀錄所必須採用的規格或媒介須由處長核准的條款;
(c) 關於在所涉的文件或其他東西須經簽署或蓋章或以任何其他方式認證的情況下認證電
子紀錄的方式的條款;
(d) 規定向處長送交的任何電子紀錄形式的文件或其他東西須包括或附同送交該文件或東
西的人的電子簽署或數碼簽署的條款;及
(e) 關於在根據第93A(2)條指定的資訊系統運作中斷的情況下提交文件或其他東西的方式的
條款。
(2) 在不局限第93A(3)條的一般性的原則下,如有以下情況,處長可拒絕接受任何電子紀錄形
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 34
式的文件或其他東西或拒絕將之註冊—
(a) 該電子紀錄所載資料不能夠以可閱形式展示;
(b) 該電子紀錄不能夠貯存於根據第93A(2)條指定的資訊系統;
(c) 處長覺得該電子紀錄已被更改或損毀或是不完整;
(d) 處長覺得該電子紀錄所附同或包括的任何電子簽署或數碼簽署或其他種類的認證已被
更改或是不完整;或
(e) 處長根據該條指明的任何條款已遭違反。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 93C 編配電子郵箱 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 處長可因應任何人的請求,編配一個在處長指定的資訊系統內的可讓該人用於與處長溝通
的電子郵箱。
(2) 任何人使用指定資訊系統內的電子郵箱,須受處長藉在官方公報公布的公告而就一般情況
指明的條款所規限,或受藉給予獲編配該電子郵箱的人的通知而就任何個別個案指明的條款所規
限。
(3) 凡處長根據本條編配一個電子郵箱予任何人,則本條例或本規則規定或授權處長送交該人
的任何文件或其他東西,如以電子紀錄形式送交至該人的經編配電子郵箱,即須當作已妥為送交。
(4) 電子紀錄獲指定資訊系統接受的時間,須當作為完成送交至有關經編配電子郵箱的時間。
(5) 送交至經編配電子郵箱的電子紀錄,須當作由收件人在該電子郵箱接受和記錄該電子紀錄
的時間收到。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 93D 送達文件 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 除第93、93A、93B及93C條另有規定外,凡本條例或本規則規定或授權向任何人送交任何文
件或其他東西—
(a) 該文件或其他東西可留在該人的供送達文件的地址或以郵遞方式送交該人的供送達文
件的地址;或
(b) 如該人沒有供送達文件的地址,該文件或其他東西可以郵遞方式送交其最後為人所知
的地址。
(2) 凡文件或其他東西是載於一封妥當地擬備並妥當地註明收件人的已預付郵資的信件內,而
該信件妥為寄往該人的供送達文件的地址或(如他沒有供送達文件的地址)其最後為人所知的地址,
則以郵遞方式送交該文件或東西即須當作已完成;除非證明情況相反,否則該文件或東西須當作由
該人在該信件會在一般郵遞程序送抵的時間收到。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 93E 註冊處的紀錄的備存形式等 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 處長須決定註冊處的紀錄的組成及備存形式,並可決定該等紀錄或由註冊處備存的任何文
件或其他東西須予備存的期間,以及在何種情況下可將該等紀錄、文件或東西銷毀或以其他方式處
置。
(2) 凡處長備存某文件或其他東西的紀錄,所採用的形式是有異於該文件或東西原來向處長提
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 35
交時或原來由處長製成時的形式,則除非證明情況相反,否則該文件或東西的紀錄須推定為準確反
映該文件或東西原來提交或製成時載有的資料。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 94 不當之處的更正 30/06/1997
(1) 除第(2)款另有規定外,在任何於處長席前進行的法律程序中提交的任何文件,可在處長認
為合適的情況下予以修訂,而在註冊處內或在處長席前的程序上任何不當之處,可按處長所指示的
條款糾正。
(2) 任何不當之處或預期會出現的不當之處如─
(a) 是由沒有遵守本規則所訂明的時限或期限所構成的,並且是在沒有根據本條作出的指
示的情況下已發生的或是處長覺得在該情況下相當可能會發生的;
(b) 是可全部或部分歸因於註冊處方面的任何錯誤、失責或不作為的;及
(c) 是處長覺得應予糾正的,
則處長可指示所涉的時間或期間須予更改,除此以外不得作出其他指示。
(3) 第(2)款並不損害處長根據第100條延展任何時間或期間的權力。
條: 95 處長可免除某些作為 30/06/1997
如根據本規則任何人須作出任何作為或事情,或任何文件或證據須予出示或提交,但經證明至
令處長信納基於任何合理因由,該人不能作出該作為或事情或該文件或證據不能出示或提交,則處
長可在證明上述情況的證據經出示後,並在他認為合適的條款的規限下,免除該人作出該作為或事
情,或免除該文件或證據的出示或提交。
條: 96 證據 30/06/1997
(1) 凡根據本規則可提交證據﹐該證據須藉法定聲明或誓章而提交。
(2) 如處長在任何個別情況中認為合適,可聽取口述證供以代替上述證據,或可在上述證據以
外另再聽取口述證供,並須容許對任何證人就其誓章或聲明作出盤問,但如處長另有指示,則不在
此限。
條: 97 法定聲明及誓章 30/06/1997
(1) 本條例所規定的或用於任何根據本條例進行的法律程序的法定聲明或誓章,須以下述方式
作出和簽署─
(a) 在香港,則於任何太平紳士、公證人或任何獲香港法律授權為任何法律程序的目的監
誓的專員或其他人員的席前作出和簽署;
(b) 在香港以外的任何其他地方,則於任何法庭、法官、太平紳士、公證人或獲法律授權
在當地為任何法律程序的目的監誓或執行公證職能的任何人員或人士的席前作出和簽
署。
(2) 憑藉第84條簽署上述聲明或誓章的人須在該聲明或誓章上述明他以何身分作出該項聲明或
誓章。 (1997年第402號法律公告)
(3) 凡任何文件看來是已蓋上、印上或簽上任何獲本條授權監理某項聲明或誓章的人的印章或
簽署,以證明該項聲明或誓章是在他席前作出及簽署的,則處長可接納該文件而無須證明該人的印
章或簽署的真實性或該人的職銜或他監理該項聲明或誓章的權力依據。 (1997年第402號法律公告)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 36
條: 98 關於提供文件等的指示 30/06/1997
在處長席前進行的任何法律程序的任何階段中,處長可指示須於他所定下的期間內提供他所需
要的文件、資料或證據。
條: 99 顧問的委任 30/06/1997
(1) 處長可委任顧問以在處長席前進行的任何法律程序中協助處長,而處長須確定須呈交予或
給予該名顧問的問題或指示。
(2) 處長可就顧問的酬金應由何人負責支付而給予指示。
條: 100 時限的更改 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 如處長認為合適,為根據本規則作出任何作為或提起任何法律程序而由本規則訂明的時間
或期間(第(2)款所述的條文中訂明的時間或期間除外),可在處長通知有關各方後,由處長按他所指
示的條款予以延展;即使作出上述作為或提起上述法律程序的時間或期間已經屆滿,處長仍可批予
上述延展期。
(2) 第(1)款所提述的條文為第11、16、17、21、23、24、29、35(1)、40(2)、48(4)、53、57、67、
68及69條。 (2002年第157號法律公告;2002年第235號法律公告;2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 100A 在註冊處運作中斷的情況下延展時限 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡在任何一日因某事件或某種情況導致註冊處的正常運作中斷,則處長可公布該日為註冊
處運作中斷的日子。
(2) 凡本條例或本規則所指明的或根據本規則延展的向處長提交任何文件或其他東西的任何期
間是在如此公布的日子屆滿的,則該期間須延展至緊隨的首個不屬如此公布而又不是非辦公日的日
子。
(3) 處長根據本條發出的任何公布均須在註冊處內張貼。
(4) 在本條中,“非辦公日”(excluded day) 指不屬註冊處辦公日的日子。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
條: 101 文件的發表和出售 30/06/1997
處長可安排將註冊處內的說明書及其他文件的副本以及該等文件的索引、節本或撮錄的副本發
表及出售。
條: 102 文件的核實 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
為施行本條例及本規則,如提交文件副本的人向處長以書面方式確認該副本是有關指定專利當
局發出或備存的文件的真實副本,則該副本須視為核實副本。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 37
條: 103 關於註冊紀錄冊的公告 30/06/1997
處長可安排將根據本條例或本規則就註冊紀錄冊而作出的並且是他認為合適的事情發表以及安
排刊登關於該等事情的公告。
條: 104 費用 30/06/1997
(1) 就在本條例下的任何事宜或法律程序而須繳付的費用為附表2所指明者。
(2) 費用須循處長所指示的途徑並按處長所指示的方式繳付。
部: XV 過渡性條文 30/06/1997
條: 105 釋義(第XV部) 30/06/1997
在本部及附表3中,除文意另有所指外─
(a) “《過渡性規則》”(Transitional Rules) 指根據本條例第158條訂立的《專利(過渡性安排)
規則》;
(b) 凡所使用的詞語在《過渡性規則》中亦有使用,其涵義即與在該規則中該等詞語的涵
義相同。
條: 106 註冊紀錄冊的記項 30/06/1997
(1) 就憑藉《過渡性規則》第3(1)條而當作批予的標準專利而言,為該規則第13(2)條的施行而須
記入註冊紀錄冊的細節須包括─
(a) 申請人的姓名或名稱及地址;
(b) 發明的名稱;
(c) 相應1949年法令或1977年法令專利的申請的提交日期及發表編號;
(d) 相應1949年法令或1977年法令專利的批予日期;
(e) 根據已廢除條例提出的任何申請的提交日期及其申請編號;
(f) 根據已廢除條例將專利註冊的日期;
(g) 在生效日期標準專利當作向其批予的人的姓名或名稱及地址(如與按照(a)段記入的記項
的姓名或名稱不同);
(h) 處長編配予根據已廢除條例所發出的註冊證明書的編號。
(2) 處長須就憑藉《過渡性規則》第6、8或9條而批予的標準專利,安排將以下事宜記入註冊紀
錄冊─
(a) 申請人的姓名或名稱及地址;
(b) 所有人所述明為相信是發明人的人的姓名或名稱;
(c) 發明的名稱;
(d) 相應1949年法令或1977年法令專利的申請的提交日期及發表編號;
(e) 相應1949年法令或1977年法令專利的批予日期;
(f) 標準專利的申請的提交日期及其申請編號;
(g) 所有人供送達文件的地址;
(h) 為本條例第98條的施行而宣布的任何申請的提交日期及申請編號,以及該項申請是在
那一國家或地區或為那一國家或地區提出的;
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 38
(i) 批予專利的日期;
(j) 獲批予標準專利的人的姓名或名稱及地址(如與按照(a)段記入的記項的姓名或名稱不
同);
(k) 供送達文件的地址(如與按照(g)段記入的記項中的地址不同);
(l) 本條例第52(3)條所提述而關乎該項專利的任何交易、文書或事件的通知。
(3) 處長可隨時將他認為合適的其他詳情記入註冊紀錄冊。
(4) 本規則第43條在經作出所需的變通後,就憑藉《過渡性規則》第7條提出的標準專利的申請
和依據該等申請所批予的專利而適用,一如該條就以指定專利申請為基礎的標準專利的申請和依據
該等申請所批予的專利而適用一樣。
條: 107 就根據《過渡性規則》第13(3)條建議從註冊紀錄冊作刪除 而發出的通知
30/06/1997
(1) 如處長建議根據《過渡性規則》第13(3)條從註冊紀錄冊刪除關於任何當作標準專利的任何
細節,則該規則第13(6)條所指向註冊紀錄冊上指名為該當作標準專利的所有人的人發出的通知須指
明一段不少於1個月的期間,而該所有人可在該期間內請求就該事宜作出陳詞,如該期間屆滿時仍無
收到該項請求,則處長須作出該項刪除。
(2) 如該所有人在所允許的時間內請求舉行聆訊,處長須在給予該所有人作出陳詞的機會後,
裁定須否作出該項刪除。
條: 108 根據《過渡性規則》第13(4)條提出的申請 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
(1) 凡根據《過渡性規則》第13(4)條申請從註冊紀錄冊刪除任何關於任何當作標準專利的細
節,該項申請須採用指明表格。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(2) 申請人須在提交上述申請的同時,將該項申請的副本送交在註冊紀錄冊中指名為該當作標
準專利的所有人的任何人(申請人除外)。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(3) 如任何根據第(2)款獲送交上述申請的副本的人欲反對該項申請,他(“反對人”)須在自副
本送交予他的日期起計3個月內,提交詳盡列出其反對理由的反陳述;而反對人須將該反陳述的副本
送交提出上述申請的人及送交並非該反陳述所涉的一方的上述申請的副本的各收件人。 (2004年第
37號法律公告)
(4) 上述的反陳述須採用指明表格,並須附同訂明費用。 (2004年第37號法律公告)
(5) 提出上述申請的人或任何上述反陳述的收件人,可在自反陳述副本送交予他的日期起計3個
月內,提交支持其案的證據,並須─
(a) 在任何情況下,將該證據的副本送交反對人;及
(b) 在證據是由上述收件人提交的情況下,將該證據的副本送交提出該項申請的人。
(6) 反對人可在自收到上述送交予他的證據副本的日期起計3個月內,或(如上述證據沒有提交)
在可提交上述證據的時間屆滿的3個月內,提交支持其案的證據,並須將如此提交的證據的副本送交
提出上述申請的人及上述收件人;而該申請人或任何上述收件人可在自反對人的證據副本送交予他
的日期起計3個月內,提交嚴格限於作為答覆的事宜的進一步證據,並須將其副本送交第(5)(a)及(b)
款所述及的各人。
(7) 除獲處長指示或許可外,不得提交進一步的證據。
(8) 處長可就其後的程序給予他認為合適的指示。
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 39
條: 109 根據《過渡性規則》第13(8)條提出的申請 30/06/1997
根據《過渡性規則》第13(8)條提出的申請,須採用指明表格,並須由申請人所依賴的證據及事
實支持。
條: 110 根據本條例第147條請求提供資料 30/06/1997
凡根據本條例第147條請求提供資料,而該資料是關乎任何現有註冊專利或任何一如《過渡性規
則》第5條所述的待決的將專利根據已廢除條例註冊的申請的,則該項請求只可就以下事宜提出─
(a) 註冊證明書已於何時根據已廢除條例發出;
(b) 該專利已於何時根據本條例首次續期,
而本規則第88(2)條亦須據此適用。
條: 111 本規則對憑藉《過渡性規則》第6、8及9條提出的申請的 經作出變通後的適用範圍
30/06/1997
本規則就憑藉《過渡性規則》第6、8或9條提交的標準專利的申請而適用時,附表3第I部第1欄
所指明的本規則條文以及該等條文所提述的本規則的任何其他條文,須經作出該附表第I部第2欄內
與該條文相對之處所指明的變通而理解。
條: 112 本規則對憑藉《過渡性規則》第7條提出的申請的經作出 變通後的適用範圍
30/06/1997
本規則就憑藉《過渡性規則》第7條提交的標準專利的申請而適用時,附表3第II部第1欄所指明
的本規則條文,須經作出該附表第II部第2欄內與該條文相對之處所指明的變通而理解。
條: 113 關乎《2004年專利(一般)(修訂)規則》的過渡性條文 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
《2004年專利(一般)(修訂)規則》(2004年第37號法律公告)第4、5、6、12、13、14、16、17、21
及39條對本規則第3、4、6、7、35、37、38、40、41、48及108條所作的修訂,不適用於在該等條文
生效*時於處長席前仍然待決的法律程序,而該法律程序須繼續,猶如該等修訂不曾作出一樣。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
_________________________________________________________________________
註:
* 生效日期: 2004年5月7日。
附表: 1 微生物 L.N. 136 of 2007 26/11/2007
[第73條]
1. 適用範圍
(1) 如屬某項短期專利的申請的標的或屬某短期專利的標的之發明,需要為其實行而使用微生
物,而─
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 40
(a) 該微生物在該項申請的提交日期未能提供予公眾;及
(b) 在該項申請或該專利的說明書中未能用足以使擅長有關技術的人能夠實行該項發明的
方式描述該微生物, (2007年第136號法律公告)
則只有在第(2)節所列條件獲得符合的情況下,該項發明方可就本條例第77條而言視為已予披露。
(2) 第(1)節所提述的條件為─
(a) 在不遲於該項申請的提交日期之時,已將該微生物的培養物寄存於一間寄存機構,而
該機構能夠提供該微生物的樣本;
(b) 該寄存機構的名稱、寄存該培養物的日期及寄存物的存入編號已在該項申請的說明書
中提供;
(c) 所提交的申請已提供申請人在該微生物的特徵方面所備有的有關資料;及
(d) 凡有新的寄存根據第3段作出,申請人或所有人是按照該段的規定而作出新的寄存的。
(3) 第(2)(b)節所指明的資料須─
(a) 連同批予短期專利的請求呈交;或
(b) 在處長將根據本條例第147(5)條有要求取得資料及查閱文件的權利存在一事傳達予申請
人後的1個月內呈交,
兩者以較早者為準。
(4) 第(2)(b)節所指明的資料的提供,即構成申請人的毫無保留且不可撤銷的以下同意︰即同意
按照本附表自短期專利批予的日期起向任何人或在該日期前向根據本條例第147(5)條有權取得資料及
查閱文件的任何人提供所寄存的培養物(包括憑藉第3(2)段須視作為一直可獲提供的寄存培養物),但
須符合以下規定─
(a) 須出示處長所發出的確認通知書,該通知書是關乎向在該通知書中指名為可獲提供該
培養物的人發放該培養物的;及
(b) 須為獲提供培養物而向該培養物寄存所在的寄存機構提出有效的請求。
2. 培養物的提供
(1) 為要求發出關乎發放寄存培養物的確認通知書而向處長提出的請求,須採用指明表格。
(2004年第37號法律公告)
(2) 處長須將根據第(1)節呈交予他的表格的副本以及他關乎發放樣本的確認通知書的副本送交
─ (2004年第37號法律公告)
(a) 有關專利的申請人或所有人;
(b) 有關寄存機構;及
(c) 提出該項請求的人。
(3) 第(1)節所指的請求須包含由提出該項請求的人為上述專利的申請人或所有人的利益而作出
的以下承諾─
(a) 承諾不向任何其他人提供該培養物或衍生自該培養物的任何培養物;及
(b) 承諾除為與所涉發明的標的事項有關的實驗目的外不使用該培養物或衍生自該培養物
的任何培養物,
而在本節中,凡提述衍生自某微生物的寄存培養物的培養物,即提述衍生自該寄存培養物並顯示出
其為實行有關發明所必需的特徵的培養物。
(4) 現補充第(3)節的規定如下─
(a) 除(c)分節另有規定外,上述兩項承諾須在下述事宜發生之前的任何期間具有效力︰專
利的申請被撤回、當作已被撤回或該申請已被拒絕(包括根據本規則第94或100條而獲寬
限的任何進一步期間,但如申請已根據該等條文任何一條而恢復,則不包括在其獲恢
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 41
復前的期間);
(b) 如專利是應該項申請而獲批予的,則第(3)(a)節所列的承諾亦須在該專利有效的任何期
間內及本條例第126(5)條所提述的6個月的進一步期間內具有效力;及
(c) 第(3)(b)節所列的承諾不得在該專利已獲批予的公告在官方公報刊登的日期後具有效
力。 (2001年第2號第19條)
(5) 為使該培養物能夠作本條例第69條所指明的任何政府徵用,第(3)節所指明的承諾─
(a) 不須由任何政府部門或獲某政府部門為本段的施行而以書面方式授權的人作出;及
(b) 如已由任何上述的人作出,該等承諾亦不得就該人而具有效力。
(6) 依據第(3)節作出的承諾可藉申請人或所有人與作出承諾的人所協議的減免而更改。
(7) 就第(3)(a)節所列承諾對其具有效力的專利而言,凡已根據本條例第64條批予強制性特許,
則該項承諾在為使任何該等特許得以生效而有需要的範圍內不得具有效力。
3. 新的寄存
(1) 凡根據本附表向某寄存機構作出培養物的寄存或其新的寄存,而該寄存機構─
(a) 通知申請人或所有人謂該機構─
(i) 不能滿足按照第2(1)段提出的請求;或
(ii) 不能合法地滿足上述請求,以使培養物得以獲提供;
(b) 暫時或永久地停止執行其作為寄存機構的職能;或
(c) 因任何理由而停止以客觀和不偏私的方式進行其作為寄存機構的活動,
則除非該培養物已轉移至能夠使該培養物得以提供的另一間寄存機構,否則在符合第(3)節的規定
下,申請人或所有人可為該微生物的培養物作出新的寄存。
(2) 就第1段及本段而言,如在收到上述通知或在上述寄存機構停止執行其作為寄存機構的職能
或停止以客觀和不偏私的方式進行其作為寄存機構的活動的3個月內,申請人或所有人─
(a) 在上述寄存未予轉移的情況下作出新的寄存;
(b) 向接受該項新的寄存的寄存機構提供一份聲明,謂新寄存的培養物與原來寄存的培養
物屬同一微生物的培養物;及
(c) 要求根據本條例第46或120條(視屬何情況而定)修訂說明書,以顯示經轉移的寄存或新
的寄存的存入編號以及(如適用的話)接受所作寄存的寄存機構的名稱,
則該寄存須視作一直可獲提供。
(3) 第(1)節所提述的新的寄存─
(a) 除(b)分節另有規定外,須在原來的寄存所在的同一寄存機構作出;或
(b) 在第(1)(a)(ii)、(b)及(c)節所提述的情況下,須在能夠滿足上述請求的另一間寄存機構作
出。
4. 附表的釋義
(1) 在本附表中─
“《布達佩斯條約》”(the Budapest Treaty) 指1977年在布達佩斯訂立的有關用於專利程
序的微生物寄存的國際認可的條約;及
“國際寄存主管當局”(international depositary authority) 指已按《布達佩斯條約》第7條所
訂取得國際寄存主管當局的地位的寄存機構。
(2) 就本附表而言,“寄存機構”指在所有有關時間均作出以下事宜的機構─
(a) 執行收取、接受和貯存微生物並提供其樣本的職能;及
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 42
(b) 在其事務與執行上述職能有關的範圍內,以客觀和不偏私的方式進行其事務。
附表: 2 費用 L.N. 37 of 2004; L.N. 40 of 2004
07/05/2004
[第104條]
費用編號 事宜或法律程序 款額
$
1 根據本條例第13(1)(a)、13(1)(b)或14(5)條將申請批予標準專利
或特許一事或特許的有效期或條款是否合理一事轉介處長
190
2 根據第3(7)、7(4)、37(5)、38(5)、40(3)或(4)、41(3)、48(5)或
(6A)或108(3)條提交反對通知書或反陳述
325
3 根據本條例第13(5)條申請由處長作出授權以代表接獲在本條
例第13(3)(c)或(4)條下的指示的人執行該等指示
190
4 根據本條例第15或22條提交指定專利申請的記錄請求 380
5 根據本條例第23條提交將指定專利註冊與批予標準專利的請
求
380
6 根據本條例第113、116或125條提交短期專利的批予申請 755
7 根據本條例第15或23條提出的記錄請求或註冊與批予請求的
公告費
68
(1997年第362號法律
公告)
8 根據本條例第113條提出的短期專利的批予申請的公告費 68
(1997年第362號法律
公告)
9 根據第11或21條提出的逾期繳付記錄請求或註冊與批予請求
的提交費或公告費的附加費
95
10 根據第68(6)條提出的逾期繳付短期專利的批予申請的提交費
或公告費的附加費
95
11 根據本條例第33條提出的標準專利申請的維持申請─
在第5年屆滿後申請再維持一年的維持申請
其後申請再維持任何繼後的一年的維持申請
270
270
12 本條例第33(4)條所訂的逾期繳付維持費的附加費 95
13 根據本條例第39條提出的標準專利的續期請求─
在第3年屆滿後請求再續期一年的續期請求
其後請求再續期任何繼後的一年的續期請求
540
540
14 本條例第39(4)條所訂的逾期繳付續期費的附加費 270
15 根據本條例第126條提出的短期專利的續期請求 1080
16 本條例第126(5)條所訂的逾期繳付續期費的附加費 270
17 根據本條例第34條申請恢復已因欠繳維持費而撤回的標準專
利申請
405
根據本條例第40條申請恢復已失效的標準專利
根據本條例第127條申請恢復已失效的短期專利
405
405
18 根據本條例第28或123條恢復已撤回的專利申請的附加費 405
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 43
根據本條例第29或123條恢復權利的附加費 405
19 根據本條例第45條述及發明人 135
20 根據本條例第44(4)條申請撤銷標準專利 190
根據本條例第49條向處長作出轉介以撤銷專利 190
21 根據第46條申請將在專利或專利的申請之中或之下取得的權
利註冊或發出關於該等權利的通知
325
22 根據本條例第51(2)(b)(ii)或146條更正錯誤的請求 135
23-24 (由2004年第37號法律公告廢除)
25 第17、24、29、68或100條所指的延展費 215
26 逾期根據本條例第104條或本規則第17(4)、24(4)、56或68條提
交譯本的懲罰性費用
190
27 根據本條例第106(3)條請求發表經更正的譯本 190
28 根據本條例第51(6)條請求領取註冊紀錄冊上的記項的核證副
本或註冊紀錄冊的核證摘錄
95
請求領取本條例第51(10)條所指的證明書 95
29 核證正式文本或攝影品或印刷品(註冊紀錄冊上的記項的核證
副本或註冊紀錄冊的核證摘錄除外)
95
30 提供註冊紀錄冊上的記項或註冊紀錄冊的摘錄或文件的未經
核證的副本或打印本
(每頁,不足一頁亦作一頁計)
6
(2004年第37號法律公告)
附表: 3 本規則對憑藉《過渡性規則》提出的標準專利的申請的經
作出變通後的適用範圍
30/06/1997
[第105、111及112條]
第I部
憑藉《過渡性規則》第6、8及9條提出
的標準專利的申請
本規則的條文 變通
第19條 所有“指定專利”須理解為“專利”。
第19(1)條 “本條例第23(1)條”須理解為“《過渡性規則》第6
、8或9條”。
第II部
憑藉《過渡性規則》第7條提出的標準專利的申請
本規則的條文 變通
第 514C 章 - 《專利(一般)規則》 44
第8(1)條 (a) “指定專利申請”須理解為─
“任何以下申請─
(a) 在聯合王國專利局提交的1977年法令專利的申請,而該項申請已根
據聯合王國專利局的法律發表;
(b) 在歐洲專利局提交的歐洲專利(聯合王國)的申請,而該項申請已根
據歐洲專利局的法律發表;
(c) 已發表的並已在聯合王國專利局或歐洲專利局(視屬何情況而定)有
效地進入其國家階段的國際申請,”。
(b) 由“本條例第15條”起至“該條)”止的一段文字須理解為“《過渡
性規則》第7條”。
第19條 “指定專利”須理解為“專利”。
第19(1)條 “本條例第23(1)條”須理解為“《過渡性規則》第7條”。