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Распоряжение «О патентах» (глава 514), Гонконг, Китай

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Подробности Подробности Год версии 2010 Даты вступление в силу: 1 июля 1997 г. Принят: 27 июня 1997 г. Тип текста Основное законодательство по ИС Предмет Патенты (изобретения), Исполнение законов об ИС, Регулирующие органы в области ИС Примечания This Ordinance makes new provisions in respect of patents and related matters in substitution for the Registration of Patents Ordinance (repealed).

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Основной(ые) текст(ы) Основной(ые) текст(ы) Китайский 專利條例(第514章)         Английский Patents Ordinance (Chapter 514)        
Chapter: 514 PATENTS ORDINANCE Gazette Number Version Date
Long title 30/06/1997

An Ordinance to make new provision in respect of patents and related matters in substitution for the Registration of

Patents Ordinance.
[The Ordinance, other than section 125 Section 125 } } 27 June 1997 1 July 1997 L.N. 367 of 1997]
(Originally 52 of 1997)
Section: 1 Short title 30/06/1997

PART I

PRELIMINARY

(1) This Ordinance may be cited as the Patents Ordinance.
(2) (Omitted as spent)
Section: 2 Interpretation L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires"application for a patent" (專利的申請) means an application for a standard patent or an application for a short-term

patent; "court" (法院) means the Court of First Instance; (Amended 25 of 1998 s. 2) "date of filing" (提交日期)-

(a) in relation to a request to record or a request for registration and grant, means the date which is the date of filing that request by virtue of section 17 or 24 respectively;
(b) in relation to an application for a standard patent has the meaning specified in relation to that term in section 3(ii);

(c) in relation to a designated patent application, means the date specified as such in the designated patent application; "Doha Declaration" (多哈宣言) means the Declaration on the TRIPS Agreement and Public Health adopted on

14 November 2001 by the Fourth WTO Ministerial Conference at Doha, Qatar; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3) "eligible importing member" (合資格進口成員地) means

(a) a WTO member country, territory or area recognized by the United Nations as being a least-developed country; or
(b) any other WTO member country, territory or area that has given notice in writing to the TRIPS Council that it intends to import pharmaceutical products in accordance with the General Council Decision or the Protocol; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"employee" (僱員) means a person who works or (where the employment has ceased) worked under a contract of employment (whether with the Government or with any other person);

"employer" (僱主), in relation to an employee, means the person by whom the employee is or was employed;

"exclusive licence" (專用特許) means a licence from the proprietor of or applicant for a patent conferring on the licensee, or on him and persons authorized by him, to the exclusion of all other persons (including the proprietor or applicant), any right in respect of the invention to which the patent or application for a patent relates, and "exclusive licensee" (專用特許持有人) and "non-exclusive licence" (非專用特許) shall be construed

accordingly; "exporting member" (出口成員地) means a WTO member country, territory or area that makes a patented

pharmaceutical product for export to an eligible importing member in accordance with the General Council Decision or the Protocol; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"General Council Decision" (總理事會決定) means the Decision adopted by the General Council of the WTO on 30 August 2003 on the Implementation of Paragraph 6 of the Doha Declaration; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"international application" (國際申請) means an international application for a patent made under the Patent Cooperation Treaty;

"International Bureau" (國際局) means the International Bureau of Intellectual Property provided for under the Convention Establishing the World Intellectual Property Organization signed at Stockholm on 14 July 1967;

"law of the designated patent office" (指定專利當局的法律) means

(a) in relation to a designated patent office established under the law of any country, territory or area other than Hong Kong, the law of that country, territory or area;

(b) in relation to a designated patent office established under an international agreement, the provisions of the international agreement; "mortgage" (按揭) when used as a noun, includes a charge for securing money or money's worth and, when used as a verb, shall be construed accordingly;

"non-prejudicial disclosure" (不具損害性的披露) means, in relation to an invention, a disclosure of the invention which is not to be taken into consideration for the purposes of determining whether or not the invention forms part of the state of the art;

"official journal" (官方公報) means the publication for the time being specified under section 150A as the official journal of record; (Added 2 of 2001 s. 2) "opposition or revocation proceedings" (反對或撤銷專利的法律程序) means, in relation to a designated patent, proceedings under the law of the designated patent office providing for the revocation or amendment of the designated patent within a specified period after the grant; "Paris Convention" (《巴黎公約》) means the Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property signed at Paris on 20 March 1883, as revised or amended from time to time; (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 2) "Paris Convention country" (巴黎公約國) means

(a) any country for the time being specified in Schedule 1 as being a country which has acceded to the Paris Convention;
(b) any territory or area subject to the authority or under the suzerainty of any country specified in Schedule 1 pursuant to paragraph (a), or any territory or area administered by any such country, on behalf of which such country has acceded to the Paris Convention;

"patent application" (專利申請) has the same meaning as an application for a patent; "Patent Cooperation Treaty" (《專利合作條約》) means the treaty of that name done at Washington on 19 June 1970, as revised or amended from time to time; (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 2) "patented invention" (專利發明) means an invention for which a standard patent or, as the case may be, a short-term patent is granted and "patented process" (專利方法) shall be construed accordingly; "patented pharmaceutical product" (專利藥劑製品) means

(a) a pharmaceutical product which is an invention for which a standard patent or a short-term patent (as the case may be) has been granted;
(b) in relation to a process for which a standard patent or a short-term patent (as the case may be) has been granted, a pharmaceutical product obtained directly by means of the process or to which the process has been applied; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"patented product" (專利產品) means

(a) a product which is an invention for which a standard patent or a short-term patent (as the case may be) has been granted;
(b) in relation to a process for which a standard patent or a short-term patent (as the case may be) has been

granted, a product obtained directly by means of the process or to which the process has been applied; "pharmaceutical product" (藥劑製品) means

(a) a pharmaceutical product within the meaning of section 2(1) of the Pharmacy and Poisons Ordinance (Cap 138);
(b) an active ingredient that is needed for making of a pharmaceutical product mentioned in paragraph (a);
(c) diagnostic kit that is needed for the use of a pharmaceutical product mentioned in paragraph (a);
a or

(Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"prescribed" (訂明) means prescribed or provided for by rules made under section 149;

"protected layout-design (topography)" (受保護的布圖設計(拓撲圖)) has the meaning assigned to that term by section 2(1) of the Layout-design (Topography) of Integrated Circuits Ordinance (Cap 445);

"Protocol" (日內瓦議定書) means the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement adopted by the General Council of the WTO at Geneva on 6 December 2005, the Annex to the Protocol Amending the TRIPS Agreement, the Annex to the TRIPS Agreement and the Appendix to the Annex to the TRIPS Agreement; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"register" (註冊紀錄冊、註冊)-

(a) as a noun, means the register of patents kept under section 51; and
(b) as a verb, means, in relation to any thing, to register or register particulars, or enter notice of that thing

in the register and, in relation to a person, means to enter his name in the register,

and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly;

"Registrar" (處長) means the Registrar of Patents;

"Registrar of Patents" (專利註冊處處長) means the person holding that office by virtue of the Director of

Intellectual Property (Establishment) Ordinance (Cap 412); "registry" (註冊處) means the Patents Registry administered by the Registrar; "relevant instrument or legislation" (有關文書或法例) means

(a) the General Council Decision;
(b) the Protocol; or
(c) legislation made by the exporting member or the eligible importing member, as the case may be, pursuant to or for the purpose of implementing
(i) the General Council Decision; or
(ii) the Protocol; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"request for registration and grant" (註冊與批予請求) means a request under section 23 for the registration of a designated patent and the grant of a standard patent for the invention shown in the published specification of the designated patent;

"request to record" (記錄請求) means a request under section 15 to record a designated patent application;

"right" (權利), in relation to any patent or patent application, includes an interest in the patent or application and, without prejudice to the foregoing, any reference to a right in a patent includes a reference to a share in the

patent;

"rules" (規則) means rules made by the Registrar under section 149;

"short-term patent" (短期專利) means a patent for an invention granted under Part XV;

"short-term patent application" (短期專利申請) means an application under Part XV for a short-term patent;

"specification"' (說明書), in relation to an application for a patent under this Ordinance, a designated patent

application or an international application, means the description, claims and drawings contained in the application; "standard patent" (標準專利) means a patent for an invention granted under Part II; "standard patent application" (標準專利申請) means an application under Part II for a standard patent; "TRIPS Agreement" (知識產權協議) means the Agreement on Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights, being Annex 1C of the World Trade Organisation Agreement; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3) "TRIPS Council" (知識產權理事會 ) means the Council for Trade-Related Aspects of Intellectual Property Rights referred to in Article 68 of the TRIPS Agreement; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3) "verified copy" (核實副本) means, in relation to a document, a copy verified in the prescribed manner; "World Trade Organisation Agreement" (《世界貿易組織協議》) means the agreement of that name done at Marrakesh in 1994, as revised or amended from time to time; (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 2) "WTO" (世界貿易組織) means the World Trade Organisation established in Geneva on 1 January 1995 under the World Trade Organisation Agreement; (Added 21 of 2007 s. 3)

"WTO member country, territory or area" (世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方) means any country, territory or

area for the time being specified in Schedule 1 as being a country, territory or area which has acceded to the

World Trade Organisation Agreement.

(2) The expressions listed in the left-hand column below are defined in, or fall to be construed in accordance with, the provisions of this Ordinance listed in the right-hand column in relation to those expressions.

Expression Relevant Provision
Application for a standard patent (標準專利的申請) section 3
Corresponding designated patent (相應指定專利) section 4
Corresponding designated patent application (相應指定專利申請) section 4
Deemed date of filing (當作提交日期) section 38
Designated patent (指定專利) section 4
Designated patent application (指定專利申請) section 4
Divisional designated patent application (指定專利的分開申請) section 22(1)
Government use (政府徵用) section 69(2)
Paris Convention country (巴黎公約國) section 98(6)
Patent (專利) section 6(1)
Published (發表) section 5
Work (實施) section 6(4)

Expanded Cross Reference:
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires, reference to an application for a standard patent is a reference to proceedings under Part II-

(a) under sections 15 to 22 to record a designated patent application; and <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 *>
(b) under sections 23 to 27 for the registration of a designated patent and the grant of a standard patent for the invention shown in the published specification of the designated patent, <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 *>

up to but not including the grant of the standard patent, and cognate expressions shall be construed accordingly; and reference to-

(i) the filing of an application for a standard patent is a reference to the filing of a request to record;
(ii) the date of filing an application for a standard patent is a reference to the date of filing a request to record;

(iii) an application for a standard patent as filed is a reference to a request to record as filed;

(iv) the publication of an application for a standard patent is a reference to the publication of a request to record;
(v) an invention which is the subject of an application for a standard patent, or an invention in respect of which an application for a standard patent has been made, is a reference to the invention disclosed in the specification of the corresponding designated patent or, if no request for registration and grant has been filed in the application, of the designated patent application;
(vi) the specification of an application for a standard patent is a reference to the specification of the corresponding designated patent application.

(1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires-

"designated patent" (指定專利) means a patent granted by a designated patent office; "designated patent application" (指定專利申請) means-

(a) an application in a designated patent office for a patent, which application has been published under the law of the designated patent office;
(b) an international application which has been published and which has validly entered its national phase in a designated patent office;

"designated patent office" (指定專利當局) means a patent office designated for the purpose of this Ordinance under section 8.

(2) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference-
(a) to a "corresponding designated patent" in relation to a standard patent, is a reference to the designated patent which was registered under section 27 in an application for the grant of the standard patent;
(b) to a "corresponding designated patent application"
(i) in relation to an application for a standard patent for an invention, is a reference to the designated patent application in respect of that invention;
(ii) in relation to a standard patent, is a reference to the designated patent application in pursuance of which the corresponding designated patent was granted.
(1) In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires
(a) "published" (發表) means made available to the public (whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere); and
(b) a document shall be taken to be published under any provision of this Ordinance if it can be inspected as of right at any place in Hong Kong by members of the public, whether on payment of a fee or not.
(2) Without prejudice to subsection (1), and unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in this Ordinance-
(a) to the grant of a standard patent being published is a reference to its being published under section 27;
(b) to a request to record being published is a reference to its being published under section 20;
(c) to a designated patent being published is a reference to its being published by the designated patent office by which the patent was granted for the purposes of the law of that office relating to applications for and the granting of patents;
(d) to a designated patent application being published is a reference
(i) except as provided in subparagraph (ii), to its being published by the designated patent office in which the application was made;
(ii) in the case of a designated patent application based on an international application, to the international application being published by the International Bureau under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, or by the designated patent office in which the application was made, whichever is the earlier;
(e) to a short-term patent being published is a reference to its being published under section 118.
(1) Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in this Ordinance to a patent is a reference to a standard patent or a short-term patent granted under this Ordinance.
(2) Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in this Ordinance to an international agreement is a reference to-
(a) the agreement, or any other international agreement replacing it, as may from time to time be amended or supplemented by or in accordance with any international agreement (including any protocol or annex);
(b) any instrument made under any such agreement to provide for amendment to or supplementation of the agreement.
(3) Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in this Ordinance to an enactment or law of a country, territory or area other than Hong Kong shall be construed as a reference to that enactment or law as it may from time to time be amended or extended by or under any other enactment or law of the country, territory or area.

(4) Unless the context otherwise requires, a reference in this Ordinance to an invention being worked in Hong Kong includes a reference to the invention being worked by importation into Hong Kong for the purpose of putting the patented product on the market or stocking it for that purpose.

(5) For the purposes of this Ordinance matter shall be taken to have been disclosed in any designated patent application or in the specification of a patent or a designated patent if it was either claimed or disclosed (otherwise than by way of disclaimer or acknowledgment of prior art) in any such application or specification.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 130(3) U.K.]

Section: 7 Provisions regarding filing of documents, etc. 30/06/1997

In this Ordinance, unless the context otherwise requires, a reference providing for the filing of any document with the Registrar shall be deemed to include a reference requiring the payment of any fee that may be prescribed for the filing of that document, and a document shall be deemed not to be duly filed for the purposes of this Ordinance unless any such fee as may be prescribed for the filing of the document is paid as so prescribed.

Section: 8 Designation of patent offices 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Amendments retroactively made -see 22 of 1999 s. 3

The Chief Executive in Council may for the purposes of this Ordinance by notice published in the Gazette designate a patent office established under the law of any country, territory or area other than Hong Kong or established under any international agreement.

(Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

Section: 9 Special provision regarding invention covered by 2 or more patents L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

Where there are in effect 2 or more patents for the same invention, any use of the invention which does not constitute an infringement of any one such patent (whether by virtue of consent given by the proprietor, a compulsory licence having effect under Part VIII, the provisions of Part IX relating to Government use, an import compulsory licence having effect under Part IXA or an export compulsory licence having effect under Part IXB) shall not constitute an infringement of the other such patent.

(Amended 21 of 2007 s. 4)

Section: 10 General provision regarding applications for standard patents 30/06/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 23, 24, 25, 26, 27

PART II

APPLICATIONS FOR STANDARD PATENTS

Introduction

This Part shall be construed as providing for the grant of a standard patent for an invention in the following circumstances, and only in those circumstances, namely where-

(a)
an application for a patent for that invention has been filed in and published by a designated patent office (and in this Ordinance a patent application so filed and published is referred to as a "designated patent application");
(b)
as the first stage of an application for a standard patent, the designated patent application has been recorded in the register and published in Hong Kong in accordance with sections 15 to 22; <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22 *>
(c)
a patent has been granted in the designated patent office in pursuance of the designated patent application (and in this Ordinance such a patent is referred to as a "designated patent"); and
(d)
as the second stage of the application for a standard patent, the designated patent has been registered in accordance with sections 23 to 27. <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 23, 24, 25, 26, 27 *>
Section: 11 Formality examination of applications for standard patent 30/06/1997

Except as expressly provided to the contrary, nothing in this Part providing for the examination by the Registrar of an application for a standard patent for an invention shall be construed as imposing upon the Registrar any obligation to consider or to have regard to, for the purpose of such examination, any question as to-

(a)
the patentability of the invention;
(b)
whether the applicant is entitled to any priority claimed in the application;
(c)
whether the invention is properly disclosed in the application; or
(d)
whether any requirement under sections 45, 77, 78, 79, 93, 94, 95, 96, 97, 98, 99 or 100 has been complied with.
Section: 12 Who may apply 30/06/1997

Right to apply

(1) The person who may apply for the grant of a standard patent for an invention is-

(a)
the person named as applicant in a designated patent application for a patent for the invention, or his successor in title to the rights under the designated patent application in Hong Kong; or
(b)
in preference to the person mentioned in paragraph (a), the person who is entitled to the property in the invention in Hong Kong.
(2)
Subject to any determination under section 13, the applicant for a standard patent for an invention in proceedings before the Registrar shall for the purpose of those proceedings be deemed to be the person entitled to apply for the grant of a patent for that invention under subsection (1).
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 7 U.K.]
(1)
At any time before a standard patent has been granted for an invention (whether or not an application has been made for a standard patent for the invention)
(a)
any person may refer to the Registrar or the court the question of whether he is entitled under section 12 (alone or with other persons) to apply for the grant of a standard patent for the invention; or
(b)
any of 2 or more joint proprietors of an application for a patent for that invention may so refer the question whether any right in or under the application should be transferred or granted to any other person.
(2)
The Registrar or the court may make such order as he or it thinks fit to give effect to a determination under this section.
(3)
Where a question is referred to the Registrar or the court under this section after an application for a standard patent has been filed but before a standard patent is granted in pursuance of the application then the Registrar or the court may, unless the application is withdrawn before the reference is disposed of by the Registrar or the court-
(a)
order that the application for a standard patent shall proceed in the name of that person, either solely or jointly with that of any other applicant, instead of in the name of the applicant or any specified applicant;
(b)
where the reference was made by 2 or more persons, order that the application shall proceed in all their names jointly; or
(c)
make an order transferring or granting any licence or other right in or under the application and give directions to any person for carrying out the provisions of any such order.
(4)
Where a person refers a question under subsection (1)(b) relating to an application, any order under subsection (2) may contain directions to any person for transferring or granting any right in or under the application.
(5)
If any person to whom directions have been given under subsection (3)(c) or (4) fails to do anything necessary for carrying out any such directions within 14 days after the date of the directions, the Registrar or the court may on application made to him or it by any person in whose favour or on whose reference the directions were given authorize him to do that thing on behalf of the person to whom the directions were given.
(6)
No order shall be made under subsection (3) unless notice of such reference is given in the prescribed manner to-
(a)
the applicant for the standard patent (not being a party to the reference); or
(b)
any other person (not being a party to the reference) who it is alleged in the reference has the right, by virtue of any transaction, instrument or event relating to the invention or the application, to apply for the grant of the standard patent whether alone or with any other person,
Section: 13 Determination before grant of questions as to who may apply 30/06/1997

and any person receiving such notice may oppose the reference.

(7) No directions shall be given under this section so as to affect the mutual rights or obligations of trustees or

of the personal representatives of deceased persons, or their rights or obligations as such. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 8 U.K.]

(1)
Where an order is made or directions are given under section 13 that an application for a standard patent shall proceed in the name of one or some of the original applicants (whether or not it is also to proceed in the name of some other person), any licences or other rights in or under the application shall, subject to the order and any directions under that section, continue in force and be treated as granted by the persons in whose name the application is to proceed.
(2)
Where an order is made or directions are given under section 13 that an application for a patent shall proceed in the name of one or more persons none of whom was an original applicant (on the ground that the original applicant or applicants was or were not entitled to apply under section 12 for the grant of the patent), any licences or other rights in or under the application for a standard patent shall, subject to the order and any directions under that section and subject to subsection (3), lapse on the registration of that person or those persons as the applicant or applicants or, where the application for a standard patent has not been published, on the making of the order.
(3)
If before a reference to the Registrar or the court under section 13 resulting in the making of any order mentioned in subsection (2)-
(a)
the original applicant or any of the applicants, acting in good faith, worked the invention in question in Hong Kong or made effective and serious preparations to do so; or
(b)
a licensee of the applicant, acting in good faith, worked the invention in Hong Kong or made effective

and serious preparations to do so, that or those original applicant or applicants or the licensee shall, on making a request within the prescribed period to the person in whose name the application is to proceed, be entitled to be granted a licence (but not an exclusive licence) to continue working or, as the case may be, to work the invention.

(4) Any such licence shall be granted for a reasonable period and on reasonable terms.

(5) Where an order is made as mentioned in subsection (2), the person in whose name the application is to proceed or any person claiming that he is entitled to be granted any such licence may refer to the Registrar or the court the question whether the latter is so entitled and whether any such period is or terms are reasonable, and the Registrar or the court, as appropriate, shall determine the question and may, if he or it considers it appropriate, order the grant of such a licence.

(6) The Registrar or the court may make such order as he or it thinks fit to give effect to a determination under

subsection (5). [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 11 U.K.]

Request to record a designated patent application

(1)
A person entitled under section 12(1) to apply for the grant of a standard patent for an invention may, at any time within 6 months after the date of publication of an application in a designated patent office for a patent for the invention, request the Registrar to enter a record of that designated patent application in the register (in this Ordinance referred to as a "request to record").
(2)
Every such request shall be signed by the applicant and be filed with the Registrar in the prescribed manner and shall contain-
(a)
a photocopy of the designated patent application as published, that is to say, including any description, claims, drawings, search report or abstract published together with the designated patent application;
(b)
where the designated patent application does not contain the name of any person as being the inventor, a statement identifying the person or persons whom the applicant believes to be the inventor or inventors;
(c)
the name and address of the person making the request;
(d)
where the person filing the request is a person other than the person named as applicant in the designated patent application, a statement explaining his entitlement to apply for the grant of a standard patent for the invention and prescribed documents supporting that statement;
(e)
where priority is claimed under section 98 in respect of a right of priority enjoyed in the designated patent office on the basis of an earlier application as mentioned in that section, a statement that indicates the details of-(Amended 2 of 2001 s. 3)
(i)
the date of priority claimed;
(ii)
the country in which the earlier application was filed;
(f)
where at the time of filing the designated patent application a claim was made in accordance with the law of the designated patent office in respect of any previous disclosure of the invention that was, for the purposes of the law of the designated patent office, a non-prejudicial disclosure, a statement that indicates the prescribed details relating to the previous disclosure; and (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 3)
(g)
an address in Hong Kong for service of documents.
(3)
Every such request shall also comply with the requirements of this Ordinance as to the provision of information in, or the translation of documents into, one or both official languages.
(4)
A filing fee and an advertisement fee shall be payable within 1 month after the earliest filing with the Registrar of any part of the request to record, and if either fee is not paid within that period or within such further period as may be allowed under subsection (5) the application for a standard patent shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(5)
Rules may provide for a period of grace within which a filing fee or advertisement fee that has not been paid within the time limit specified in subsection (4) may still be validly paid.
(6)
Subsection (1) shall not apply in respect of a designated patent application published before the date on which the designated patent office was designated under section 8.

(7) Nothing in this section shall preclude a request to record being initiated by documents complying with

section 17. [cf. EPC Art. 78; 1977 c. 37 s. 14 U.K.]

Where a designated patent application is the national phase of an international application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty, then

(a)
for the purposes of section 15(1), and notwithstanding section 5(2)(d)(ii), the date of publication of the designated patent application shall be
(i)
the date of such publication in the designated patent office as serves to indicate that the international application has validly entered its national phase in the designated patent office; or
(ii)
such other date as may be prescribed in rules, being a date not earlier than the date on which the international application has validly entered its national phase in the designated patent office;
(b)
reference in section 15(2)(a) to a photocopy of the designated patent application shall be read as reference to-
(i)
a photocopy of the international application as published by the International Bureau;
(ii)
a photocopy of any translation of the international application published by the designated patent office; and
(iii) a photocopy of any publication of information in the designated patent office concerning the international application;
(c)
(Repealed 2 of 2001 s. 4)
(d)
section 17(1)(c) shall have effect in such manner as may be specified in rules made for the purposes of this section.

(1) Subject to subsection (2) and section 18(3), the date of filing a request to record shall be the earliest date on

which documents filed by the applicant contain

(a)
an indication that a request is made to record a designated patent application;
(b)
information identifying the applicant; and
(c)
a reference to the designated patent application, including
(i)
the application number assigned to it by the designated patent office; and
(ii)
the publication number (if any) assigned to it by the designated patent office, and the date (if any) of its publication by the designated patent office. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 5)

(2) If the earliest filing with the Registrar of any part of a request to record occurs more than 6 months after the publication of the corresponding designated patent application the request shall not be dealt with as an application for a standard patent.

[cf. EPC Art. 80]

Section: 18 Examination on filing of request to record 30/06/1997

(1) The Registrar shall examine whether

(a)
the request to record satisfies the requirements of section 17(1) for the accordance of a date of filing (the "minimum requirements");
(b)
the filing fee and advertisement fee have been paid in due time.

(2) Subject to section 17(2), if a date of filing cannot be accorded because of deficiencies as regards the minimum requirements, the Registrar shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct the deficiencies in accordance with the rules.

(3) If such deficiencies are not corrected within the prescribed time, the request shall not be dealt with as an

application for a standard patent. [cf. EPC Art. 90]

Section: 19 Examination as to formal requirements of request to record 30/06/1997
(1)
If a request to record has been accorded a date of filing and is not deemed to be withdrawn by virtue of section 15(4), the Registrar shall examine whether the requirements of section 15(2) and (3) ("the formal requirements") have been satisfied.
(2)
Where the Registrar notes that there are deficiencies as regards the formal requirements which may be corrected, he shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct them in accordance with the rules.
(3)
If-
(a)
there are deficiencies as regards the formal requirements which cannot be corrected the application for a standard patent shall be refused;
(b)
any deficiencies as regards the formal requirements noted in the examination are not corrected in accordance with the rules then, except as provided in subsection (4), the application for a standard patent shall be refused or, if no steps are taken to correct the deficiencies, shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(4)
If a deficiency relating solely to a claim to any right of priority is not duly corrected, such right shall be lost

for the application. [cf. EPC Art. 91]

Section: 20 Publication of request to record L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(1) If on an examination under section 19(1) a request to record is found to have satisfied the requirements of section 15(2) and (3), or if on a subsequent examination by the Registrar the deficiencies noted under section 19(2) are found to have been corrected in accordance with the rules, then the Registrar shall as soon as practicable after such examination, but subject to this section and section 37-

(a)
record the designated patent application in the register and enter particulars of the request to record in the register;
(b)
publish the request to record in the prescribed manner;
(c)
advertise the fact of such publication and entry by notice in the official journal; and (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 6; 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(d)
inform the applicant of the publication of the request to record.
(2)
A request to record shall not be published if-
(a)
before the completion of preparations for publication, it has been finally refused or withdrawn or has been deemed to have been withdrawn; or
(b)
the filing fee or advertisement fee has not been paid.
(3)
For the purposes of subsection (1)(b) the request to record shall include-
(a)
the designated patent application, including the description, the claims, any drawings and any search report or abstract published by the designated patent office and filed in the request to record;
(b)
the names of the proprietor and (if different) the inventor.
Section: 21 Registrar may publish additional matters 30/06/1997

In publishing a request to record under section 20(1)(b), the Registrar may publish such matters constituting or relating to the request which in the Registrar's opinion it is desirable to publish in addition to the matters specified in section 20(3).

Section: 22 Provision for request to record in the event of a divisional designated patent application 30/06/1997

(1) Where in an application for a standard patent-

(a)
a request to record has been published under section 20 and has not been refused, withdrawn or deemed to be withdrawn; and
(b)
the applicant for the corresponding designated patent application or his successor in title has filed in the designated patent office a divisional patent application ("a divisional corresponding designated patent application"), that is to say, an application for a patent which-
(i)
is in respect of the same subject-matter and does not extend beyond the contents of the corresponding designated patent application as filed in the designated patent office;
(ii)
has as its date of filing the date of filing of the corresponding designated patent application; and

(iii) enjoys the same benefit of any right of priority as the corresponding designated patent

application, the applicant may within 6 months after the date of publication of the divisional designated patent application or publication of the request to record under this Ordinance, whichever is the later, request the Registrar to enter a record of that divisional designated patent application in the register.

(2)
Where a request to record a divisional designated patent application is filed under this section-
(a)
it shall be deemed to have been filed on the date of filing of the earlier request to record and the application for a standard patent shall have the benefit of any right of priority;
(b)
subject to paragraph (a), the provisions of this Ordinance shall apply to such a request as they apply to a request to record filed under section 15(1).
(3)
For the purpose of the application of the other provisions of this Ordinance to this section-
(a)
any reference in those other provisions to a corresponding designated patent application shall be read as a reference to the divisional designated patent application mentioned in subsection (1)(b);
(b)
any reference in those other provisions to a corresponding designated patent shall be read as a

reference to the designated patent granted in pursuance of the divisional designated patent application. [cf. EPC Art. 76; 1992 No. 1 s. 24 Eire; 1977 c. 37 s. 15 U.K.]

Section: 23 Filing of request for registration and grant 30/06/1997

Request for registration and grant

(1) Where in an application for a standard patent-

(a)
a designated patent application has been recorded in the register and a request to record has been published and the request to record is not refused or deemed withdrawn or abandoned (whether under this Part or Part III); and
(b)
a patent has been granted in the designated patent office in pursuance of the designated patent

application, the applicant or his successor in title may, subject to subsection (2), request the Registrar to register the designated patent so granted and to grant a standard patent for the invention shown in the published specification of the designated patent (in this Ordinance referred to as a "request for registration and grant").

(2)
A request for registration and grant under subsection (1) shall be made within 6 months after the date of grant of the designated patent by the designated patent office or publication of the request to record, whichever is the later.
(3) Every such request shall be filed with the Registrar in the prescribed manner and shall contain-
(a)
a verified copy of the published specification of the designated patent, including the description, the claims and any drawings published by the designated patent office;
(b)
if the person filing the request is a person other than the person named in the register as the applicant for a standard patent for the invention, a statement explaining the first-mentioned person's entitlement to apply for the grant of a standard patent for the invention and prescribed documents supporting that statement;
(c)
where the request to record contains a statement under section 15(2)(e) to the effect that priority is claimed on the basis of a right of priority claimed in the designated patent office, such copies as may be prescribed of the documents filed in the designated patent office claiming and supporting such right of priority.
(4)
Every such request shall also comply with the requirements of this Ordinance as to the provision of information in, or the translation of documents into, one or both official languages.
(5)
A filing fee and an advertisement fee shall be payable within 1 month after the earliest filing of a part of the request for registration and grant, and if either fee is not paid within that period or within such further period as may be allowed under subsection (6) the application for a patent shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(6)
Rules may provide for a period of grace within which a filing fee or advertisement fee that has not been paid within the time limit specified in subsection (5) may still be validly paid.
(7)
Nothing in this section shall preclude a request for registration and grant being initiated in accordance with section 24.
(1)
Subject to subsection (2) and section 25(3), the date of filing of a request for registration and grant shall be the earliest date on which documents filed by the applicant contain-
(a)
an indication that a request is made for the registration of a designated patent and the grant of a standard patent;
(b)
information identifying the applicant;
(c)
the publication number assigned to the designated patent by the designated patent office, and the date of its publication; and
(d)
the publication number assigned to the request to record by the Registrar.
(2)
If the earliest filing with the Registrar of any part of a request for registration and grant occurred more than 6 months after the later of-
(a) the date of grant of the designated patent; and
(b)
publication of the request to record in accordance with section 20, then the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(1) The Registrar shall examine whether
(a)
the request for registration and grant satisfies the requirements of section 24(1) for the accordance of a date of filing; and
(b)
the filing fee and advertisement fee have been paid in due time.
(2)
Subject to section 24(2), if on examination under subsection (1)(a) a date of filing cannot be accorded because of deficiencies as regards the requirements mentioned in subsection (1)(a), the Registrar shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct the deficiencies in accordance with the rules.

(3) If-

(a)
there are deficiencies as regards the requirements specified in section 24(1) which cannot be corrected the application for a standard patent shall be refused;
(b)
any deficiencies as regards those requirements noted in the examination under subsection (1) are not

corrected in accordance with the rules, the application for a standard patent shall be refused or, if no steps are taken to correct the deficiencies, shall be deemed to be withdrawn.

Section: 26 Examination as to formal requirements of the request for registration and grant 30/06/1997
(1)
If a request for registration and grant has been accorded a date of filing and is not deemed to be withdrawn by virtue of section 23(5), the Registrar shall examine whether the requirements of section 23(3) and (4) ("the formal requirements") have been satisfied.
(2)
Where the Registrar notes that there are deficiencies as regards the formal requirements which may be corrected, he shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct them in accordance with the rules.
(3)
If-
(a)
there are deficiencies as regards the formal requirements which cannot be corrected the application for a standard patent shall be refused;
(b)
any deficiencies as regards the formal requirements noted in the examination are not corrected in accordance with the rules then, except as provided in subsection (4), the application for a standard patent shall be refused or, if no steps are taken to correct the deficiencies, shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(4)
If a deficiency relating solely to a claim to any right of priority is not duly corrected then such right shall be

lost for the application. [cf. EPC Art. 91]

Section: 27 Registration of designated patent and grant of patent L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1)
If on examination under section 26(1) a request for registration and grant is found to have satisfied the requirements of section 23(3) and (4) or if on a subsequent examination the deficiencies noted under section 26(2) are found to have been corrected in accordance with the rules, then the Registrar shall as soon as practicable after such examination, but subject to section 37
(a)
register the designated patent by making an appropriate entry in the register; and
(b)
grant a standard patent for the invention shown in the published specification of the designated patent as filed under section 23(3)(a) and issue a certificate to that effect.
(2)
A patent shall not be granted under this section unless the filing fee and advertisement fee specified in section 23 and any other fees payable under the preceding provisions of this Part have been paid.
(3) As soon as practicable after a standard patent has been granted under this section the Registrar shall-
(a)
publish in the prescribed manner the specification of the patent, the names of the proprietor and, if different, the inventor;
(b)
send the certificate issued under subsection (1)(b) to the proprietor; and
(c)
advertise the fact of such grant by notice in the official journal. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(4)
In publishing under subsection (3)(a) any matters specified in that subsection, the Registrar may publish in addition such other matters constituting or relating to the patent which in his opinion it is desirable to publish.
Section: 28 Further processing of application for standard patent 30/06/1997

Further processing; restoration of rights

(1) Subject to this section, where

(a)
an application for a standard patent, or any part of an application, is refused or is deemed withdrawn following the applicant's failure to comply with a time limit under this Part (including any time limit set by the Registrar); and
(b)
the applicant has by notice filed with the Registrar requested reinstatement of the application or part of

the application, then the legal consequence of the failure to comply with the time limit, as provided under the Ordinance, shall not ensue or, if it has already ensued, shall be retracted.

(2) A notice under this section-

(a)
shall be in writing and shall be filed within 2 months after such refusal or deemed withdrawal;
(b)
shall not be deemed to be filed unless the additional prescribed fee has been paid; and
(c)
shall not be deemed to be filed unless the omission which constituted the failure to comply with a time limit has been made good.

(3) This section does not apply in the case of the refusal or deemed withdrawal of an application under section 15(4), 23(5), 24(2) or 25(3).

(4) The Registrar may by regulation amend the period specified in subsection (2)(a) within which a notice

under this section shall be filed. [cf. EPC Art. 121]

(1) Subject to this section, where

(a)
an applicant for a standard patent has failed to comply with a time limit under this Part (including any time limit set by the Registrar); and
(b)
the Registrar is satisfied that the failure to comply with the time limit occurred in spite of the applicant

having taken all reasonable care required by the circumstances, then upon application by the applicant to the Registrar under this section for restoration of his rights lost

(i)
any refusal or deemed withdrawal of the application that occurred as a direct consequence of the failure to comply with the time limit shall be deemed to be of no effect and the application shall be treated for the purposes of proceedings under this Part as if there had been no such failure;
(ii)
any right or means of redress lost by the applicant as a direct consequence of the failure to comply with the time limit shall be restored to the applicant.

(2) An application under this section-

(a)
shall be in writing and shall be made not later than-
(i)
1 year after the expiry of the time limit referred to in subsection (1)(a); or
(ii)
2 months after the removal of the cause of non-compliance with the time limit, whichever is the earlier;
(b)
shall not be deemed to be filed unless the additional prescribed fee has been paid; and
(c)
shall not be deemed to be made unless the omission which constituted the failure to comply with a time limit has been made good.
(3)
Where prior to the refusal or deemed withdrawal of the application mentioned in subsection (1)(i) the request to record had been published under section 20, the Registrar shall advertise in the official journal notice of any application under subsection (1). (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(4)
The Registrar may by regulation amend the periods specified in subsection (2)(a) within which a notice under this section shall be filed.

(5) This section does not apply to any failure to comply with a time limit under section 15 (except as regards

any time limit specified for the purposes of section 15(3)), 17(2), 18, 19, 22, 23(5), 24(2) or 25(3). [cf. EPC Art. 122]

(1) The effect of a restoration under section 29 is as follows.

(2)
A person who, during the period between the loss of rights referred to in section 29(1) and the advertisement in the official journal of notice of the application for restoration under section 29(3)- (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(a) does in good faith an act which would constitute an infringement of the applicant's rights under the published application for a standard patent if those rights had not been lost; or
(b)
makes in good faith effective and serious preparations to do such an act, has the rights specified in subsection (3).

(3) The rights referred to in subsection (2) are-

(a)
the right to continue to do or, as the case may be, to do the act referred to in subsection (2);
(b)
if such act was done or preparations had been made to do it in the course of a business

(i) in the case of an individual-

(A)
the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on death; or
(B)
the right to authorize the doing of that act by any of his partners for the time being in the

business in the course of which the act was done or preparations had been made to do it;

(ii) in the case of a body corporate, the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on

the body's dissolution, and the doing of that act by virtue of this subsection shall not amount to an infringement of the applicant's rights under the published application for a patent concerned.

(4)
The rights specified in subsection (3) shall not include the right to grant a licence to any person to do an act referred to in subsection (2).
(5)
Where a product is disposed of to another in exercise of a right conferred by subsection (3), that other and any person claiming through him may deal with the product in the same way as if it had been disposed of by the applicant in the patent application.

[cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 55(2) to (4) Eire]

Section: 31 Amendment of application for standard patent 30/06/1997

PART III

PROVISIONS AS TO APPLICATIONS FOR
STANDARD PATENTS BEFORE GRANT

(1)
Subject to this section and sections 36 and 103, an applicant for a standard patent may at any time before a standard patent is granted pursuant to the application, in accordance with the prescribed conditions, amend the application of his own volition.
(2)
No amendment may be made under subsection (1) to the title of the invention, the abstract, a priority claim or any claim, description or drawing unless
(a)
the application has been published; and
(b)
the amendment is an amendment that has been made to the corresponding designated patent application.
(3)
Upon receipt of particulars of an amendment filed in accordance with subsections (1) and (2) the Registrar shall record the amendment.
(1)
Subject to section 36, an applicant for a standard patent may at any time before a standard patent is granted pursuant to the application withdraw in writing his application and any such withdrawal may not be revoked.
(2)
Where a patent application is withdrawn under this section, or is deemed under this Ordinance to have been withdrawn, or is refused under any provision of this Ordinance, then-
(a)
if the application has been published, section 94(3) shall continue to apply as regards the application;
(b)
the applicant shall continue to enjoy the right of priority under section 98 which he enjoyed immediately before such withdrawal or refusal;
(c)
no other right may be claimed under this Ordinance in relation to the application
Section: 32 Withdrawal of application 30/06/1997
Section: 33 Maintaining application for standard patent 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Amendments retroactively made -see 22 of 1999 s. 3

(1)
This section applies to an application for a standard patent which has been published but in which no request has been made for registration and grant under section 23.
(2)
If it is desired to maintain a patent application to which this section applies for a further year after the expiry of the 5th or any succeeding year from the date specified in subsection (3), the applicant shall, before the expiry of that 5th or succeeding year (as the case may be), but not earlier than a date 3 months before that expiry, apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for the maintenance of the patent application ("maintenance application") and pay the prescribed fee ("maintenance fee") and a patent application to which this section applies shall be deemed to be withdrawn and abandoned at the expiry of that 5th or succeeding year if the maintenance application is not so made or the maintenance fee is not so paid.
(3)
The date specified for the purpose of subsection (2) is the anniversary of the date of filing the corresponding designated patent application first occurring after the date of publishing the request to record.
(4)
If, within 6 months after the end of the period specified in subsection (2) for the making of a maintenance application, an application is made under subsection (2) and the maintenance fee and any prescribed additional fee are paid in the prescribed manner then the patent application shall be treated as if it had not been withdrawn or abandoned.

(5) If statements contained in the maintenance application indicate-

(a)
that as at a date specified in the application, being a date not earlier than 1 month before the date of making the application
(i)
the designated patent application has not been withdrawn or abandoned for the purposes of the law of the designated patent office; and
(ii)
there has been no final refusal by the designated patent office to grant a patent pursuant to the designated patent application; and
(b)
that-
(i)
as at the date specified for the purposes of paragraph (a) a patent had not been granted pursuant to the designated patent application; or
(ii)
a patent has been granted pursuant to the designated patent application, and the date of such grant

is a date within 6 months before the date of the application, the Registrar shall, subject to subsection (9), maintain the application for a patent.

(6)
Where a statement contained in a maintenance application indicates that a designated patent has been granted on a date within the 6 months before the date of the maintenance application, any maintenance of the patent application by virtue of subsection (5) shall have effect for a term ending 6 months after the date of such grant.
(7)
If there are deficiencies in the maintenance application that may be corrected the Registrar shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct them in accordance with the rules.
(8)
If the Registrar is not satisfied as to the veracity of a statement in the maintenance application, he shall notify the applicant accordingly giving reasons and shall allow the applicant an opportunity to make further statements or adduce material for the purpose of so satisfying him.

(9) If in an application under this section-

(a)
statements contained in the application indicate that-
(i)
the designated patent application has been withdrawn or abandoned pursuant to the law of the designated patent office;
(ii)
the designated patent office has finally refused the grant of a patent in pursuance of the designated patent application; or
(iii) a designated patent has been granted in pursuance of the designated patent application, and the date of such grant was a date more than 6 months before the date of the application;
(b)
deficiencies as noted by the Registrar are not corrected in accordance with the rules; or
(c)
the applicant has failed to satisfy the Registrar as to the veracity of a statement in respect of which

notice has been given under subsection (8), the Registrar shall refuse to maintain the application for a patent and upon such refusal that application shall be deemed to be withdrawn or abandoned.

(10)
The Registrar may by regulation amend the period specified in subsection (2) by reference to which the earliest date for making a maintenance application under that subsection is determined.
(11)
The Chief Executive in Council may by regulation amend the period specified in subsection (2) as being the period after which a standard patent application not maintained shall be deemed to be withdrawn and abandoned. (Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)
[cf. EPC Art. 86]
(1)
Where an application for a standard patent is deemed withdrawn under section 33 by reason only of the failure to pay any maintenance fee under that section within the period specified then the applicant may, within 12 months after the date on which the application was deemed withdrawn and on payment of the prescribed fee, apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for the restoration of the application for a standard patent.
(2)
The Registrar shall advertise in the official journal notice of any application under subsection (1). (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(3) If on an application under subsection (1)- (a) the Registrar is satisfied that the failure to pay the maintenance fee within the specified period, or that fee and any additional fee under section 33(4) within 6 months after the end of the specified period, occurred in spite of the applicant having taken all reasonable care required by the circumstances; and
(b)
the requirements of subsection (4) are met, the Registrar shall order that the request to record be restored on payment of any such unpaid maintenance fee and additional fee.
(4)
An order for restoration shall not be made under subsection (3) unless it appears to the Registrar that at the date of the application for restoration-
(a)
the designated patent application is still valid and not withdrawn; and
(b)
a patent has not been granted in pursuance of that application or, if granted, the time for filing a request

for registration and grant under section 23 has not expired. [cf. EPC Art. 122]

Section: 35 Effect of restoration order under section 34 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(1) The effect of a restoration under section 34(4) is as follows.

(2)
A person who, during the period between any deemed withdrawal such as is mentioned in section 34(1) and the advertisement in the official journal of notice of the application for restoration under section 34(2)- (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(a) does in good faith an act which would constitute an infringement of the applicant's rights under the published application for a patent if those rights had not been lost; or
(b)
makes in good faith effective and serious preparations to do such an act, has the rights specified in subsection (3).

(3) The rights referred to in subsection (2) are-

(a)
the right to continue to do or, as the case may be, to do the act referred to in subsection (2);
(b)
if such act was done or preparations had been made to do it in the course of a business
(i)
in the case of an individual-
(A)
the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on death; or
(B)
the right to authorize the doing of that act by any of his partners for the time being in the business in the course of which the act was done or preparations had been made to do it;
(ii)
in the case of a body corporate, the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on

the body's dissolution, and the doing of that act by virtue of this subsection shall not amount to an infringement of the applicant's rights under the published application for a patent concerned.

(4)
The rights specified in subsection (3) shall not include the right to grant a licence to any person to do an act referred to in subsection (2).
(5)
Where a product is disposed of to another in exercise of a right conferred by subsection (3), that other and any person claiming through him may deal with the product in the same way as if it had been disposed of by the applicant in the patent application.
(6)
This section applies in relation to the Government use of an invention in respect of which an application has been made as it applies in relation to infringement of the rights conferred by publication of an application for a standard patent for the invention.

[cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 55(2) to (4) Eire]

Section: 36 Limitation on withdrawal, amendment, etc. of application 30/06/1997

No withdrawal of an application under section 32, no request to enter a record of a divisional application under section 22(1) nor any amendment under section 31 shall be allowed after the date on which preparations for publication under section 27(3) of the specification of a standard patent to be granted in pursuance of the application have been completed.

Section: 37 Registrar may refuse to record under section 20 or to register and grant under section 27 30/06/1997

(1) The Registrar may refuse to record a designated patent application under section 20(1) or to register a

designated patent under section 27 if he considers that the invention the subject of the application for the standard patent is not a patentable invention by reason of any of the matters specified in section 93(5).

(2) The Registrar shall give notice in writing to the applicant of any such refusal.

Section: 38 Deemed date of filing where standard patent has been granted 30/06/1997

PART IV

PROVISIONS AS TO PATENTS AFTER GRANT

Standard patents

Where a standard patent is granted, the application for the standard patent shall be deemed to have as its date of filing the date of filing of the corresponding designated patent application, and in this Ordinance "deemed date of filing" (當作提交日期) in relation to an application for a standard patent shall be construed accordingly.

Section: 39 Term of standard patent L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(1) A standard patent granted under this Ordinance-

(a) shall take effect from the date on which the fact of its grant is advertised in the official journal; and (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(b) subject to subsection (2), shall remain in force until the end of the period of 20 years beginning with the deemed date of filing of the application for the patent.
(2) If it is desired to keep a standard patent in force for a further year after the expiry of the 3rd or any succeeding year from the date specified in subsection (3), the prescribed renewal fee shall be paid before the expiry of that 3rd or, as the case may be, succeeding year, but not earlier than a date 3 months before that expiry, and a standard patent shall cease to have effect at the expiry of that 3rd or succeeding year if the renewal fee is not so paid.
(3) The date specified for the purpose of subsection (2) is the anniversary of the deemed date of filing of the standard patent first occurring after the date of grant of the patent.
(4) If within 6 months after the end of the period specified in subsection (2) for payment of the renewal fee the renewal fee and any prescribed additional fee are paid, the standard patent shall be treated as if it had never expired, and accordingly
(a) anything done under or in relation to it during that further period shall be valid;
(b) an act which would constitute an infringement of it if it had not expired shall constitute such an infringement; and
(c) an act which would constitute Government use of the patented invention if the patent had not expired shall constitute that use.
(5) The Registrar may by regulation amend the period specified in subsection (2) by reference to which the earliest date for payment of the prescribed renewal fee is determined.

(6) The Chief Executive in Council may by regulation amend- (Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

(a) the period specified in subsection (1)(b) as being the period for which a standard patent shall remain in force;
(b) the period specified in subsection (2) by reference to which a standard patent, if not renewed, shall

cease to have effect. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 25 U.K.]

Section: 40 Restoration of lapsed standard patents L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1) Where a standard patent has ceased to have effect by reason of the failure to pay any renewal fee as provided in section 39, application may be made to the Registrar, at any time within 18 months after the date on which the patent ceased to have effect, for the restoration of the patent.
(2) An application under this section may be made by the person who was the proprietor of the standard patent at the time it ceased to have effect or by any other person who would have been entitled to the patent if it had not ceased to have effect; and where the patent was at that time held by 2 or more persons jointly the application may,

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

with the leave of the Registrar, be made by one or more of them without joining the others.

(3)
The Registrar shall advertise in the official journal notice of any application under this section. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(4)
If the Registrar is satisfied that the failure to pay any renewal fee as provided in section 39, or to pay that fee and any additional fee under that section within 6 months after the end of that period, occurred in spite of the applicant having taken all reasonable care required by the circumstances the Registrar shall by order restore the patent on payment of any such unpaid renewal fee and any prescribed additional fee.
(5)
An order under this section may be made subject to such terms and conditions as the Registrar thinks fit. [cf. 1949 c. 87 s. 28 U.K.; 1977 c. 37 s. 28 U.K.; EPC Art. 122]
(1)
The effect of an order for the restoration of a standard patent is as follows.
(2)
Anything done during the period between expiry and restoration which would have constituted an infringement if the patent had not expired shall be treated as an infringement-
(a)
if done at a time when it was possible for the patent to be renewed under section 39(4); or
(b)
if it was a continuation or repetition of an earlier infringing act.
(3)
A person who in Hong Kong, after it was no longer possible for the patent to be so renewed and before advertisement in the official journal of notice of an application for restoration under section 40- (Amended 2 of 2001
s.
14)
(a) began in good faith to do an act which would constitute an infringement of the patent if it were in force; or
(b)
made in good faith effective and serious preparations to do such an act, has the rights specified in subsection (4).

(4) The rights referred to in subsection (3) are-

(a)
the right to continue to do or, as the case may be, to do the act referred to in subsection (3);
(b)
if such act was done or preparations had been made to do it in the course of a business
(i)
in the case of an individual-
(A)
the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on death; or
(B)
the right to authorize the doing of that act by any of his partners for the time being in the business in the course of which the act was done or preparations had been made to do it;
(ii)
in the case of a body corporate, the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on

the body's dissolution, and the doing of that act by virtue of this subsection shall not amount to an infringement of the patent concerned.

(5)
The rights specified in subsection (4) shall not include the right to grant a licence to any person to do an act referred to in subsection (3).
(6)
Where a patented product is disposed of to another in exercise of a right conferred by subsection (4), that other and any person claiming through him may deal with the product in the same way as if it had been disposed of by a registered proprietor of the patent.
[cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 55(2) to (5) Eire]
(1)
If a question with respect to a standard patent or application for a standard patent is referred by any person to the Registrar or the court under section 13, whether before or after the making of an application for the patent, and is not determined before the time when the application is first in order for a grant of a patent in pursuance of the application, that fact shall not prevent the grant of a standard patent, but on its grant that person shall be treated as having referred to the Registrar or the court under section 55 any question mentioned in that section which the Registrar or the court thinks appropriate.

(2) In determining any such question under section 55 the Registrar shall exercise only the powers that are

available to him for the purposes of determining the same question referred to him under section 13. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 9 U.K.]

Section: 43 Amendment of standard patent following opposition or revocation proceedings in the designated patent office L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1)
If the specification of the corresponding designated patent in respect of a standard patent granted under Part II has (whether before or after the grant of the standard patent) been amended in the designated patent office following prescribed opposition or revocation proceedings, the proprietor of the standard patent shall file with the Registrar in the prescribed manner and within the prescribed period a verified copy of the amended specification or the amending order or other prescribed documentation.
(2)
The Registrar shall record the amendment to the specification of the designated patent by making an appropriate entry in the register and upon that recording the standard patent shall be treated as having been amended in a like manner.
(3) As soon as practicable after a standard patent has been amended under this section the Registrar shall
(a)
publish the amendment;
(b)
advertise the fact of the amendment by notice in the official journal. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(4)
Any amendment of the specification of a standard patent under this section shall have effect from the date of grant of the patent.

(5) Any amendment of the specification of a standard patent under this section shall have effect subject to

section 103. [cf. EPC Art. 102]

Section: 44 Revocation of standard patent following opposition or revocation proceedings in the designated patent office L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1)
This section applies to any standard patent of which the corresponding designated patent has been revoked following prescribed opposition or revocation proceedings in the designated patent office.
(2)
The proprietor of a patent to which this section applies shall after publication of the revocation by the designated patent office and in the prescribed manner file with the Registrar a verified copy of the order of revocation or other prescribed documentation.
(3)
The Registrar shall record any filing under subsection (2) and shall advertise the fact of such filing by notice in the official journal. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(4)
A person other than the proprietor of a patent to which this section applies may apply to the Registrar in the prescribed manner for an order under this subsection, and where on such an application the Registrar is satisfied that the patent is one to which this section applies he shall, subject to subsection (5), order that the patent be revoked.
(5)
The Registrar may, if he thinks fit, refer any application under subsection (4) to the court and the court shall have jurisdiction to make an order for the revocation of the patent.
(6)
Upon the Registrar advertising the fact of a filing by the proprietor of a patent under subsection (2) in the official journal, or upon the making of an order by the Registrar under subsection (4) or by the court under subsection
(5)
for the revocation of a patent, the patent shall be treated as never having had effect. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14) [cf. EPC Art. 102]
Patents generally
(1)
The inventor or joint inventors of an invention shall have a right to be mentioned as such in any patent granted for the invention.
(2)
Where a person has been mentioned in a patent as sole or joint inventor in pursuance of this section, any other person who alleges that the former ought not to have been so mentioned may at any time after the grant of the patent request the Registrar to make a finding to that effect; and if the Registrar makes such a finding he shall accordingly amend the register and any undistributed copies of the patent, and may issue a certificate to the effect of his finding.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 13 U.K.; 1992 No. 1 s. 17 Eire]
(1)
Subject to section 103, the proprietor of a patent granted under this Ordinance may apply to the court to amend the specification of the patent and the court may by order allow any such amendment subject to such conditions as it thinks fit.
(2)
No such amendment shall be allowed if there are pending before the court proceedings in which the validity of the patent may be put in issue.
(3)
An amendment of a specification of a patent under this section shall have effect and be deemed always to have had effect as from the grant of the patent.
(4)
Any person wishing to oppose an application under this section may, in accordance with rules of court, give to the court notice of opposition; and the court shall consider the opposition in deciding whether to grant the application.
(5)
Upon receipt of the court order and supporting documents filed in the prescribed manner the Registrar shall record the amendments to the specification of the patent and shall publish this and advertise the fact by notice in the official journal. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(6)
The Registrar may, without any application being made to the court or to him for the purpose, amend the specification of a patent so as to acknowledge a registered trade mark.
Section: 45 Mention of inventor 30/06/1997
Section: 46 General power to amend specification after grant L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(7) Rules of court may provide for the notification of any application under this section to the Registrar and for

his appearance on the application and for giving effect to any order of the court on the application. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 27 U.K.]

Section: 47 Patent not to be impugned for lack of unity 30/06/1997

No person may in any proceedings object to a patent or to an amendment of a specification of a patent on the ground that the claims contained in the specification of the patent, as they stand or, as the case may be, as proposed to be amended, relate-

(a)
to more than one invention; or
(b)
to a group of inventions which are not so linked as to form a single inventive concept. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 26 U.K.]
Section: 48 Surrender of patents L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1)
The proprietor of a patent may at any time by written notice given to the Registrar offer to surrender his patent.
(2)
Any person may give notice to the Registrar of his opposition to the surrender of a patent under this section, and if he does so the Registrar shall notify the proprietor of the patent and, subject to subsection (4), shall determine the question.
(3)
If the Registrar is satisfied that the patent may properly be surrendered he may accept the offer and, as from the date on which notice of his acceptance is advertised in the official journal, the patent shall cease to have effect, but no action for infringement shall lie in respect of any act done before that date and no right to compensation shall accrue for any Government use of the patented invention before that date. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(4) The Registrar may if he thinks fit refer the matter to the court for determination. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 29 U.K.]
(1)
Any person may at any time after a patent has been granted for an invention under this Ordinance refer to the Registrar the question of whether, having regard to any of the matters specified in section 93(5), the invention is a patentable invention.
Section: 49 Registrar's power to revoke patent on grounds of "ordre public" or morality 30/06/1997

(2) Where a question is so referred-

(a)
subject to paragraph (b), the Registrar shall determine the question;
(b)
the Registrar may if he thinks fit refer the question to be determined by the court and, without prejudice to the court's jurisdiction apart from this paragraph to determine any such question, the court

shall have jurisdiction to do so.

(3) If the Registrar or the court determines that the invention is not a patentable invention by reason of any of the matters specified in section 93(5) he or it shall order that the patent shall be revoked and upon the making of such an order the patent shall be treated as never having had effect.

(4) Any person may oppose a reference under subsection (2).

PART V

PROPERTY IN PATENTS AND APPLICATIONS; REGISTRATION

(1)
Any patent or application for a patent is personal property (without being a thing in action), and any patent or any such application and rights in or under it may be transferred, created or granted in accordance with subsections
(2)
to (7).
(2) Subject to section 54, any patent or any such application, or any right in it, may be assigned or mortgaged.
(3)
Any patent or any such application or right shall vest by operation of law in the same way as any other personal property and may be vested by an assent of personal representatives.
(4)
Subject to section 54, a licence may be granted under any patent or any such application for working the invention which is the subject of the patent or the application; and
(a)
to the extent that the licence so provides, a sub-licence may be granted under any such licence and any such licence or sub-licence may be assigned or mortgaged; and
(b)
any such licence or sub-licence shall vest by operation of law in the same way as any other personal property and may be vested by an assent of personal representatives.
(5)
Subsections (2) to (4) shall have effect subject to this Ordinance.
(6)
Any of the following transactions, that is to say
(a) any assignment or mortgage of a patent or any such application, or any right in a patent or any such application;
(b)
any assent relating to any patent or any such application or right, shall be void unless it is in writing and is signed by or on behalf of the assignor, mortgagor or party granting such assent as the case may be (or, in the case of an assent or other transaction by a personal representative, by or on behalf of the personal representative) or in the case of a body corporate is so signed or is under the seal of that body.
(7)
An assignment of a patent or any such application or a share in it, and an exclusive licence granted under any patent or any such application, may confer on the assignee or licensee the right of the assignor or licensor to bring proceedings by virtue of section 80 or 88 for a previous infringement or to bring proceedings under section 72 for a previous act.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 30 U.K.]
(1)
The Registrar shall keep a register to be known as the register of patents, which shall comply with rules made for the purposes of this section and shall be kept in accordance with such rules.

(2) Without prejudice to any other provision of this Ordinance-

(a)
rules shall be made providing for the registration of
(i)
patents and of published applications for standard patents; and
(ii)
transactions, instruments or events affecting rights in or under patents and published applications for standard patents;
(b)
rules made for the purposes of this section may provide, in connection with rules made for the purposes of paragraph (a), for-
(i)
the furnishing to the Registrar of any prescribed documents or description of documents in connection with any matter which is required to be registered;
(ii)
the correction of errors in the register and in any documents filed with the Registrar in connection with registration; and

(iii) the publication and advertisement of anything done under this Ordinance in relation to the

register; and

(c) rules made for the purposes of this section may provide for notification to the Registrar of any matter affecting the property in an application for a patent.

(3) Notwithstanding subsection (2)(a)(ii), no notice of any trust, whether express, implied or constructive, shall be entered in the register and the Registrar shall not be affected by any such notice.
(4) The register need not be kept in documentary form.
(5) Subject to any rules, the public shall have a right to inspect the register at the registry at all convenient times.
(6) Any person who applies for a certified copy of an entry in the register or a certified extract from the register shall be entitled to obtain such a copy or extract on payment of a fee prescribed in relation to certified copies and extracts; and rules may provide that any person who applies for an uncertified copy or extract shall be entitled to such a copy or extract on payment of a fee prescribed in relation to uncertified copies and extracts.
(7) Applications under subsection (6) or rules made by virtue of that subsection shall be made in such manner as may be prescribed.
(8) In relation to any portion of the register kept otherwise than in documentary form-
(a) the right of inspection conferred by subsection (5) is a right to inspect the material on the register; and
(b) the right to a copy or extract conferred by subsection (6) or rules is a right to a copy or extract in a form in which it can be taken away and in which it is visible and legible.
(9) Subject to subsection (12), the register shall be prima facie evidence of anything required or authorized by this Ordinance to be registered.
(10)
A certificate purporting to be signed by the Registrar and certifying that any entry which he is authorized by this Ordinance to make has or has not been made, or that any other thing which he is so authorized to do has or has not been done, shall be prima facie evidence of the matters so certified.

(11) Each of the following, that is to say

(a) a copy of an entry in the register or an extract from the register which is supplied under subsection (6);
(b) a copy of any document kept at the registry or an extract from any such document, any specification of

a patent or any application for a standard patent which has been published, which purports to be a certified copy or a certified extract shall, subject to subsection (12), be admitted in evidence without further proof and without production of any original.

(12) This section is without prejudice to section 22A or 22B or Part IV of the Evidence Ordinance (Cap 8) or any provision made by virtue of that section or Part. (Replaced 2 of 1999 s. 6)

(13) In this section "certified copy" (核證副本) and "certified extract" (核證摘錄) mean a copy and extract

certified by the Registrar and sealed with the seal of the Registrar. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 32 U.K.]

(1) Any person who claims to have acquired the property in a patent or application for a patent by virtue of any transaction, instrument or event to which this section applies shall be entitled as against any other person who claims to have acquired that property by virtue of an earlier transaction, instrument or event to which this section applies if, at the time of the later transaction, instrument or event
(a) either-
(i) application has not been made for registration of the earlier transaction, instrument or event; or
(ii) in the case of any application for a standard patent which has not been published or any application for a short-term patent, notice of the earlier transaction, instrument or event has not been given to the Registrar in accordance with rules (if any) made for the purposes of section 51(2)(c); and
(b) the person claiming under the later transaction, instrument or event did not know of the earlier transaction, instrument or event.
(2) Subsection (1) shall apply equally to the case where any person claims to have acquired any right in or under a patent or application for a patent by virtue of a transaction, instrument or event to which this section applies, and that right is incompatible with any such right acquired by virtue of an earlier transaction, instrument or event to which this section applies.

(3) This section applies to the following transactions, instruments and events-

(a) the assignment of a patent or application for a patent, or a right in it;
(b)
the mortgage of a patent or application or the granting of security over it;
(c)
the grant or assignment of a licence or sub-licence or mortgage of a licence or sub-licence under a patent or application;
(d)
the death of the proprietor or one of the proprietors of any such patent or application or any person having a right in or under a patent or application and the vesting by an assent of personal representatives of a patent, application or any such right; and
(e)
any order or directions of a court or other competent authority transferring a patent or application or any right in or under it to any person and the event by virtue of which the court or authority had power to make any such order or give any such directions.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 33 U.K.]

Section: 53 Rectification of register 30/06/1997

(1) The court may, on the application of any person aggrieved, order the register to be rectified by the making, or the variation or deletion, of any entry in it.

(2) In proceedings under this section the court may determine any question which it may be necessary or

expedient to decide in connection with the rectification of the register. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 34 U.K.]

Section: 54 Co-ownership of patents and applications for patents 30/06/1997
(1)
Where a patent is granted to 2 or more persons each of them shall, subject to any agreement to the contrary, be entitled to an equal undivided share in the patent.
(2)
Where 2 or more persons are proprietors of a patent, then, subject to this section and to any agreement to the contrary, each of them shall be entitled, by himself or his agent, to do in respect of the invention concerned, for his own benefit and without the consent of or the need to account to the other or others, any act which would apart from this subsection and sections 68 and 69 amount to an infringement of the patent concerned; and any such act shall not amount to an infringement of the patent concerned.
(3)
Subject to sections 13 and 55 and to any agreement for the time being in force, where 2 or more persons are proprietors of a patent one of them shall not without the consent of the other or others grant a licence under the patent or assign or mortgage a share in the patent.
(4)
Subject to those sections, where 2 or more persons are proprietors of a patent, anyone else may supply one of those persons with the means, relating to an essential element of the invention, for putting the invention into effect, and the supply of those means by virtue of this subsection shall not amount to an infringement of the patent.
(5)
Where a patented product is disposed of by any of 2 or more proprietors to any person, that person and any other person claiming through him shall be entitled to deal with the product in the same way as if it had been disposed of by a sole registered proprietor.
(6)
Nothing in subsection (1) or (2) shall affect the mutual rights or obligations of trustees or of the personal representatives of a deceased person, or their rights or obligations as such.
(7)
This section shall have effect in relation to an application for a patent as filed as it has effect in relation to a patent and-
(a)
references to a patent and a patent being granted shall accordingly include references respectively to any such application and to the application being filed; and
(b)
the reference in subsection (5) to a patented product shall be construed accordingly. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 36 U.K.; EPC Art. 59]
(1)
After a patent has been granted for an invention any person having or claiming a proprietary interest in or under the patent may refer to the court the question
(a)
who is or are the true proprietor or proprietors of the patent;
(b)
whether the patent should have been granted to the person or persons to whom it was granted; or
(c)
whether any right in or under the patent should be transferred or granted to any other person or
Section: 55 Determination of right to patent after grant 30/06/1997

persons, and the court shall determine the question and make such order as it thinks fit to give effect to the determination.

(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), an order under that subsection may contain provision

(a)
directing that the person by whom the reference is made under that subsection shall be included (whether or not to the exclusion of any other person) among the persons registered as proprietors of the patent;
(b)
directing the registration of a transaction, instrument or event by virtue of which that person has acquired any right in or under the patent;
(c)
granting any licence or other right in or under the patent;
(d)
directing the proprietor of the patent or any person having any right in or under the patent to do anything specified in the order as necessary to carry out the other provisions of the order.
(3)
If any person to whom directions have been given under subsection (2)(d) fails to do anything necessary for carrying out any such directions within 14 days after the date of the order containing the directions, the court may, on application made to it by any person in whose favour or on whose reference the order containing the directions was made, authorize him to do that thing on behalf of the person to whom the directions were given.
(4)
Where the court finds on a reference under this section that the patent was granted to a person not entitled to be granted that patent (whether alone or with other persons) and on an application made under section 91 makes an order on that ground for the conditional or unconditional revocation of the patent, the court may order that the person by whom the application was made or his successor in title may, subject to section 103, make a new application for a patent-
(a)
in the case of unconditional revocation, for the whole of the matter comprised in the specification of that patent; and
(b)
in the case of conditional revocation, for the matter which in the opinion of the court should be excluded from that specification by amendment under section 102.
(5) Where a new application for a patent is made under subsection (4), it shall be treated-
(a)
as having been filed on the date of filing the application to which the reference relates; and
(b)
as having the same date of filing and, where the reference under this section is in respect of a standard patent, as having the same deemed date of filing, as the application to which the reference relates.
(6)
Where the reference under this section is in respect of a standard patent, the court may order in respect of any new application under subsection (4)-
(a)
that all or any of the requirements of section 15(2) or (3) or 23(3) or (4) be dispensed with; and
(b)
that the person making the new application shall for the purposes of that application be deemed to have filed a request to record having the same date of filing as the request to record in the application for the patent to which the reference relates.
(7)
On any such reference as is mentioned in subsection (4) no order shall be made under this section transferring the patent to which the reference relates on the ground that the patent was granted to a person not so entitled, and no order shall be made under subsection (4) on that ground, if the reference was made after the end of 2 years beginning with the date of the grant, unless it is shown that any person registered as a proprietor of the patent knew at the time of the grant or, as the case may be, of the transfer of the patent to him that he was not entitled to the patent.
(8)
Where a question is referred to the court under this section an order shall not be made by virtue of subsection (2) or under subsection (4) on the reference unless notice of the reference is given to all persons registered as proprietor of the patent or as having a right in or under the patent except those who are parties to the reference.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 37 U.K.]
(1)
Where an order is made under section 55 that a patent shall be transferred from any person or persons (the old proprietor or proprietors) to one or more persons (whether or not including an old proprietor), then, except in a case falling within subsection (2), any licences or other rights granted or created by the old proprietor or proprietors shall, subject to section 50 and to the provisions of the order, continue in force and be treated as granted by the person or persons to whom the patent is ordered to be transferred (the new proprietor or proprietors).
(2)
Where an order is so made that a patent shall be transferred from the old proprietor or proprietors to one or more persons none of whom was an old proprietor (on the ground that the patent was granted to a person not entitled to be granted the patent), any licences or other rights in or under the patent shall, subject to the provisions of the order and subsection (3), lapse on the registration of that person or those persons as the new proprietor or proprietors of the patent.
(3)
Where an order is so made that a patent shall be transferred as mentioned in subsection (2) or that a person other than an old proprietor may make a new application for a patent and before the reference of the question under section 55 resulting in the making of any such order is registered, the old proprietor or proprietors or a licensee of the patent, acting in good faith, worked the invention in question in Hong Kong or made effective and serious preparations to do so, the old proprietor or proprietors or the licensee shall on making a request to the new proprietor or proprietors within the prescribed period be entitled to be granted a licence (but not an exclusive licence) to continue working or, as the case may be, to work the invention, so far as it is the subject of the new application.
(4) Any such licence shall be granted for a reasonable period and on reasonable terms.
(5)
The new proprietor or proprietors of the patent or any person claiming that he is entitled to be granted any such licence may refer to the court the question whether that person is so entitled and whether any such period is or terms are reasonable, and the court shall determine the question and may, if it considers it appropriate, order the grant of such a licence.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 38 U.K.]

PART VI

EMPLOYEES' INVENTIONS

(1)
Notwithstanding anything in any rule of law, an invention made by an employee shall, as between him and his employer, be taken to belong to his employer for the purposes of this Ordinance and all other purposes if-
(a)
it was made in the course of the normal duties of the employee or in the course of duties falling outside his normal duties, but specifically assigned to him, and the circumstances in either case were such that an invention might reasonably be expected to result from the carrying out of his duties; or
(b)
the invention was made in the course of the duties of the employee and, at the time of making the invention, because of the nature of his duties and the particular responsibilities arising from the nature of his duties he had a special obligation to further the interests of the employer's undertaking.
(2)
Any other invention made by an employee shall, as between him and his employer, be taken for those purposes to belong to the employee.
(3)
Where by virtue of this section an invention belongs, as between him and his employer, to an employee, nothing done
(a) by or on behalf of the employee or any person claiming under him for the purposes of pursuing an application for a patent; or
(b)
by any person for the purpose of performing or working the invention, shall be taken to infringe any protected layout-design (topography) right to which, as between him and his employer, his employer is entitled in any model or document relating to the invention.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 39 U.K.]

(1) Where it appears to the court on an application made by an employee within the prescribed period that-

(a)
the employee has made an invention belonging to the employer for which a patent has been granted;
(b)
the patent is (having regard among other things to the size and nature of the employer's undertaking) of outstanding benefit to the employer; and
(c)
by reason of those facts it is just that the employee should be awarded compensation to be paid by the

employer, the court may award him such compensation of an amount determined under section 59.

(2) Where it appears to the court on an application made by an employee within the prescribed period that-

(a)
a patent has been granted for an invention made by and belonging to the employee;
(b)
his rights in the invention, or in any patent or application for a patent for the invention, have since the commencement of this section been assigned to the employer or an exclusive licence under the patent or application for a patent has since the commencement of this section been granted to the employer;
(c)
having regard to all the circumstances of the case, including the terms of the contract of assignment or grant or any ancillary contract ("the relevant contract"), the benefit derived by the employee from the
relevant contract is inadequate in relation to the benefit derived by the employer from the patent; and
(d)
by reason of those facts it is just that the employee should be awarded compensation to be paid by the

employer in addition to the benefit derived from the relevant contract, the court may award him such compensation of an amount determined under section 59.

(3) Subsection (2) shall have effect notwithstanding anything in the relevant contract or any agreement applicable to the invention.

(4) References in this section to an invention belonging to an employer or an employee are references to it so

belonging as between the employer and the employee. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 40 U.K.]

(1)
An award of compensation to an employee under section 58(1) or (2) in relation to a patent for an invention shall be such as will secure for the employee a fair share (having regard to all the circumstances) of the benefit which the employer has derived, or may reasonably be expected to derive, from
(a)
the patent; or
(b)
the assignment or grant to a person connected with the employer of-
(i)
the property or any right in the invention; or
(ii)
the property in, or any right in or under, an application for that patent.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1), the amount of any benefit derived or expected to be derived by an employer from the assignment or grant of-
(a) the property in, or any such right in or under-
(i)
a patent for the invention; or
(ii)
an application for such a patent; or
(b)
the property or any right in the invention, to a person connected with him shall be taken to be the amount which could reasonably be expected to be so derived by the employer if that person had not been connected with him.
(3)
In determining the fair share of the benefit to be secured for an employee in respect of a patent for an invention which has always belonged to an employer, the court shall, among other things, take the following matters into account, that is to say
(a)
the nature of the employee's duties, his remuneration and the other advantages he derives or has derived from his employment or has derived in relation to the invention under this Ordinance;
(b)
the effort and skill which the employee has devoted to making the invention;
(c)
the effort and skill which any other person has devoted to making the invention jointly with the employee concerned, and the advice and other assistance contributed by any other employee who is not a joint inventor of the invention; and
(d)
the contribution made by the employer to the making, developing and working of the invention by the provision of advice, facilities and other assistance, by the provision of opportunities and by his managerial and commercial skill and activities.
(4)
In determining the fair share of the benefit to be secured for an employee in respect of a patent for an invention which originally belonged to him, the court shall, among other things, take the following matters into account, that is to say
(a)
any conditions in a licence or licences granted under this Ordinance or otherwise in respect of the invention or the patent;
(b)
the extent to which the invention was made jointly by the employee with any other person; and
(c)
the contribution made by the employer to the making, developing and working of the invention as mentioned in subsection (3)(d).
(5)
Any order for the payment of compensation under section 58 may be an order for the payment of a lump sum or for periodical payment, or both.
(6)
Without prejudice to section 39(1) of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap 1), the refusal of the court to make any such order on an application made by an employee under section 58 shall not prevent a further application being made under that section by him or any successor in title of his.

(7) Where the court has made any such order, the court may on the application of either the employer or the

employee vary or discharge it or suspend any provision of the order and revive any provision so suspended. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 41 U.K.]

(1) This section applies to any contract (whenever made) relating to inventions made by an employee, being a contract entered into by him-
(a) with the employer (alone or with another); or
(b) with some other person at the request of the employer or in pursuance of the employee's contract of employment.
(2) Any term in a contract to which this section applies which diminishes the employee's rights in inventions of any description made by him after the commencement of this section and the date of the contract, or in or under patents for those inventions or applications for such patents, shall be unenforceable against him to the extent that it diminishes his rights in an invention of that description so made, or in or under a patent for such an invention or an application for any such patent.
(3) Subsection (2) is without prejudice to any duty of confidentiality owed to his employer by an employee by virtue of any rule of law or otherwise.

(4) This section applies to any arrangement made with a public officer in the course of his duties as it applies to

any contract made between an employee and an employer other than the Government. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 42 U.K.]

Expanded Cross Reference:
57, 58, 59, 60

(1) Sections 57 to 60 shall not apply to an invention made before the commencement of this Ordinance. <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 57, 58, 59, 60 *>
(2) Sections 57 to 60 shall not apply to an invention made by an employee unless at the time he made the invention one of the following conditions was satisfied in his case, that is to say- <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 57, 58, 59, 60 *>
(a) he was mainly employed in Hong Kong; or
(b) he was not mainly employed anywhere or his place of employment could not be determined, but his employer had a place of business in Hong Kong to which the employee was attached, whether or not he was also attached elsewhere.
(3) In sections 57 to 60 and this section, except so far as the context otherwise requires, references to the making of an invention by an employee are references to his making it alone or jointly with any other person, but do not include references to his merely contributing advice or other assistance in the making of an invention by another employee. <* Note- Exp. x-Ref: Sections 57, 58, 59, 60 *>
(4) Any references in sections 57 to 60- <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 57, 58, 59, 60 *> (a) to a patent are references to a patent or other forms of protection for an invention;
(b) to a patent being granted are references to its being granted, whether under the law of Hong Kong or the law in force in any other country, territory or area or under any treaty or international convention.
(5) For the purposes of sections 58 and 59 the benefit derived or expected to be derived by an employer from a patent shall, where he dies before any award is made under section 58 in respect of the patent, include any benefit derived or expected to be derived from the patent by his personal representatives or by any person in whom the patent was vested by their assent.
(6) Where an employee dies before an award is made under section 58 in respect of a patented invention made by him, his personal representatives or their successors in title may exercise his right to make or proceed with an application for compensation under subsection (1) or (2) of that section.
(7) In sections 58 and 59 and this section "benefit" (利益) means benefit in money or money's worth.
(8) In section 59(2)- "person connected with" (有關連的人), in relation to an employer, means
(a) where the employer is a natural person-
(i) a relative of the employer;
(ii) a partner of the employer and any relative of that partner;
(iii) a partnership in which the employer is a partner;
(iv) any corporation controlled by the employer, by a partner of the employer or by a partnership in which the employer is a partner;
(v) any director or principal officer of any such corporation as is referred to in subparagraph (iv);
(b) where the employer is a corporation-
(i) any associated corporation;
(ii) any person who controls the corporation and any partner of such person, and, where either such person is a natural person, any relative of such person;
(iii) any director or principal officer of that corporation or of any associated corporation and any relative of any such director or officer; (iv) any partner of the corporation and, where such partner is a natural person, any relative of such partner;
(c) where the employer is a partnership-
(i) any partner of the partnership and where such partner is a partnership any partner of that partnership, any partner with the partnership in any other partnership and where such partner is a partnership any partner of that partnership and where any partner of, or with, or in any of the partnerships mentioned in this subparagraph is a natural person, any relative of such partner;
(ii) any corporation controlled by the partnership or by any partner thereof or, where such a partner is a natural person, any relative of such partner;
(iii) any corporation of which any partner is a director or principal officer;
(iv) any director or principal officer of a corporation referred to in subparagraph (ii); and for the purposes of that definition-"associated corporation" (有聯繫法團), in relation to a person, means-
(a) a corporation over which the person has control;
(b) if the person is a corporation-
(i) a corporation which has control over the person; or
(ii) a corporation which is under the control of the same person as is the first-mentioned person; "control" (控制), in relation to a corporation, means the power of a person to secure-
(a) by means of the holding of shares or the possession of voting power in or in relation to that or any other corporation; or
(b) by virtue of any powers conferred by the articles of association or other document regulating that or any other corporation,

that the affairs of the first-mentioned corporation are conducted in accordance with the wishes of that person; "principal officer" (主要人員) means

(a) a person employed by a corporation who, either alone or jointly with one or more other persons, is responsible under the immediate authority of the directors for the conduct of the business of the corporation; or
(b) a person so employed who, under the immediate authority of a director of the corporation or a person to whom paragraph (a) applies, exercises managerial functions in respect of the corporation;

"relative" (親屬) means the spouse, parent, child, brother or sister of the relevant person, and, in deducing such a relationship, an adopted child shall be deemed to be a child both of the natural parents and the adopting parent and a step child to be the child of both the natural parents and of any step parent.

PART VII

CONTRACTS AS TO PATENTED PRODUCTS, ETC.

(1) Subject to this section, any condition or term of a contract for the supply of a patented product or of a licence to work a patented invention, or of a contract relating to any such supply or licence, shall be void in so far as it purports
(a) in the case of a contract for supply, to require the person supplied to acquire from the supplier, or his
nominee, or prohibit him from acquiring from any specified person, or from acquiring except from the supplier or his nominee, anything other than the patented product;
(b) in the case of a licence to work a patented invention, to require the licensee to acquire from the licensor or his nominee, or prohibit him from acquiring from any specified person, or from acquiring except from the licensor or his nominee, anything other than the product which is the patented invention or (if it is a process) other than any product obtained directly by means of the process or to which the process has been applied;
(c) in either case, to prohibit the person supplied or licensee from using articles (whether patented products or not) which are not supplied by, or any patented process which does not belong to, the supplier or licensor, or his nominee, or to restrict the right of the person supplied or licensee to use any such articles or process.
(2) Subsection (1) does not apply to contracts made or licences granted before the commencement of this Ordinance.
(3) In proceedings against any person for infringement of a patent it shall be a defence to prove that at the time of the infringement there was in force a contract relating to the patent made by or with the consent of the plaintiff or a licence under the patent granted by him or with his consent and containing in either case a condition or term void by virtue of this section.
(4) A condition or term of a contract or licence shall not be void by virtue of this section if
(a) at the time of the making of the contract or granting of the licence the supplier or licensor was willing to supply the product, or grant a licence to work the invention, as the case may be, to the person supplied or licensee, on reasonable terms specified in the contract or licence and without any such condition or term as is mentioned in subsection (1); and
(b) the person supplied or licensee is entitled under the contract or licence to relieve himself of his liability to observe the condition or term on giving to the other party 3 months' notice in writing and subject to payment to that other party of such compensation (being, in the case of a contract to supply, a lump sum or rent for the residue of the term of the contract and, in the case of a licence, a royalty for the residue of the term of the licence) as may in default of agreement between the parties be determined by an arbitrator appointed by the parties.
(5) If in any proceeding it is alleged that any condition or term of a contract or licence is void by virtue of this section it shall lie on the supplier or licensor to prove the matters set out in subsection (4)(a).

(6) A condition or term of a contract or licence shall not be void by virtue of this section by reason only

(a) that it prohibits any person from selling goods other than those supplied by a specified person; or
(b) in the case of a contract for the hiring of or licence to use a patented product, that it reserves to the bailor or licensor, or his nominee, the right to supply such new parts of the patented product as may be required to put or keep it in repair.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 44 U.K.]

(1) This section applies to

(a) any contract for the supply of a patented product;
(b) any licence to work a patented invention; or
(c) any contract relating to any such supply or licence, where the patent or all the patents by which the product or invention was protected at the time of the making of the contract or granting of the licence has or have ceased to be in force.
(2) Notwithstanding anything to the contrary in the contract or licence or in any other contract, a contract or licence to which this section applies may to the extent (and only to the extent) that the contract or licence relates to the product or invention, be determined by either party on giving 3 months' notice in writing to the other party.
(3) In subsection (1) "patented product" (專利產品) and "patented invention" (專利發明) include respectively a product and an invention which is the subject of an application for a patent, and that subsection shall apply in relation to a patent by which any such product or invention was protected and which was granted after the
time of the making of the contract or granting of the licence in question, on an application for a patent which had been filed before that time, as it applies to a patent in force at that time.
(4) If, on an application under this subsection made by either party to a contract or licence falling within subsection (1), the court is satisfied that, in consequence of the patent or patents concerned ceasing to be in force, it
would be unjust to require the applicant to continue to comply with all terms and conditions of the contract or licence, it may make such order varying those terms or conditions as, having regard to all the circumstances of the case, it thinks just as between the parties.
(5)
The foregoing provisions of this section apply to contracts and licences whether made before or after the commencement of this section.

(6) The provisions of this section shall be without prejudice to any rule of law relating to the frustration of

contracts and any right of determining a contract or licence exercisable apart from this section. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 45 U.K.]

PART VIII

COMPULSORY LICENCES FOR STANDARD PATENTS

(1)
At any time after the expiration of 3 years from the date of grant of a standard patent any person may apply to the court on one or more of the grounds specified in subsection (2)-
(a)
for a licence under the patent;
(b)
where the applicant is the Government, for the grant of a licence under the patent to any person specified in the application.
(2) The grounds referred to in subsection (1) are
(a)
where the patented invention is capable of being commercially worked in Hong Kong, that it is not being so worked or is not being so worked to the fullest extent that is reasonably practicable;
(b)
where the patented invention is a product, that a demand for the product in Hong Kong is not being met on reasonable terms;
(c)
where the patented invention is capable of being commercially worked in Hong Kong by manufacture, that it is being prevented or hindered from being so worked
(i)
in the case of a product, by the importation of the product; or
(ii)
in the case of a process, by the importation of a product obtained directly by means of the process or to which the process has been applied;
(d)
that by reason of the refusal by the proprietor of the patent to grant a 1icence or licences on reasonable terms-
(i)
the working or efficient working in Hong Kong of any other patented invention which involves an important technical advance of considerable economic significance in relation to the patent is prevented or hindered; or
(ii)
the establishment or development of commercial or industrial activities in Hong Kong is unfairly prejudiced; or
(e)
that by reason of conditions imposed by the proprietor of the patent on the grant of licences under the patent, or on the disposal or use of the patented product or on the use of the patented process, the manufacture, use or disposal of materials not protected by the patent or the establishment or development of commercial or industrial activities in Hong Kong, is unfairly prejudiced.
(3)
The court may, if it is satisfied that any of those grounds are established, and subject to subsections (4) and (5), order the grant of a licence on such terms as it thinks fit-
(a)
to the applicant, where the application is made under subsection (1)(a); or
(b)
to the person specified in the application, where the application is made under subsection (1)(b).
(4)
Where the application is made on the ground that the patented invention is not being commercially worked in Hong Kong or is not being so worked to the fullest extent that is reasonably practicable, and it appears to the court that the time which has elapsed since the grant of the patent was advertised in the official journal has for any reason been insufficient to enable the invention to be so worked, the court may adjourn the hearing for such period as will in the opinion of the court give sufficient time for the invention to be so worked. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(5)
No order shall be made under this section unless the court is satisfied that the applicant has made reasonable efforts to obtain authorization from the proprietor on reasonable commercial terms and conditions and that such efforts have not been successful within a reasonable period of time.
(6)
No order shall be made under this section in respect of a patent ("patent A") on the ground mentioned in subsection (2)(d)(i) unless the court is satisfied that the proprietor of the patent for the other invention ("patent B") is

able and willing to grant to the proprietor of patent A and his licensees a licence under patent B on reasonable terms.

(7) An order granting a licence under this section shall provide

(a)
that the licence shall be non-exclusive; and
(b)
that such licence shall be non-assignable except with that part of the enterprise or goodwill which enjoys the use of the patent under the licence, and in the case of a licence granted under subsection (6) the licence in respect of patent A shall only be assignable with the assignment of patent B, (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 7)

and shall specify the scope and duration of such licence.

(8)
An application may be made under this section in respect of a patent notwithstanding that the applicant is already the holder of a licence under the patent; and no person shall be stopped from relying on any of the matters specified in subsection (2) because of any admission made by him, whether in such licence or otherwise or by reason of his having accepted such licence.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 48 U.K.]
(1)
Where the court is satisfied, on an application made under section 64 in respect of a patent, that the manufacture, use or disposal of materials not protected by the patent is unfairly prejudiced by reason of conditions imposed by the proprietor of the patent on the grant of licences under the patent, or on the disposal or use of the patented product or the use of the patented process, the court may (subject to the provisions of that section) order the grant of licences under the patent to such customers of the applicant as it thinks fit as well as to the applicant.
(2)
Where an application under section 64 is made in respect of a patent by a person who holds a licence under the patent, the court may
(a)
if it orders the grant of a licence to the applicant, order the existing licence to be cancelled; or
(b)
instead of ordering the grant of a licence to the applicant, order the existing licence to be amended. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 49 U.K.]
(1)
The powers of the court on an application under section 64 in respect of a patent shall be exercised with a view to securing the following purposes-
(a)
that inventions which can be worked on a commercial scale in Hong Kong and which should in the public interest be so worked shall be worked there without undue delay and to the fullest extent that is reasonably practicable;
(b)
that the inventor or other person beneficially entitled to a patent shall receive reasonable remuneration having regard to the nature of the invention;
(c)
that the interests of any person for the time being working or developing an invention in Hong Kong under the protection of a patent shall not be unfairly prejudiced.
(2)
Subject to subsection (1), the court shall, in determining whether to make an order in pursuance of such an application, take account of the following matters-
(a)
the nature of the invention, the time which has elapsed since the grant of the patent was advertised in the official journal and the measures already taken by the proprietor of the patent or any licensee to make full use of the invention; (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(b)
the ability of any person to whom a licence would be granted by the court to work the invention to the public advantage;
(c)
the risks to be undertaken by that person in providing capital and working the invention if the

application for an order is granted, but the court shall not be required to take account of any such matter occuring subsequent to the making of the application.

(3) Any person aggrieved by an order made under section 64 or 65 may apply to the court for an order for the

variation or cancellation of the licence if the court in all the circumstances should think fit. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 50 U.K.]

Section: 67 Opposition to application under sections 64 to 66 30/06/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
64, 65, 66

The proprietor of the patent concerned or any other person wishing to oppose an application under sections 64 to 66 may, in accordance with rules of court, give to the court notice of opposition; and the court shall consider the opposition in deciding whether to grant the application. <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 64, 65, 66 *>

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 52 U.K.]

Section: 68 Declaration of extreme urgency 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
69, 70, 71

Remarks:
Amendments retroactively made -see 22 of 1999 s. 3

PART IX

GOVERNMENT USE OF PATENTED INVENTIONS

The Chief Executive in Council may, for the purposes of applying sections 69 to 71, by regulation declare a period of extreme urgency whenever Chief Executive in Council considers it to be necessary or expedient in the public interest for the maintenance of supplies and services essential to the life of the community or for securing sufficient supplies and services essential to the life of the community. <* Note - Exp. X-Ref.: Sections 69, 70, 71 *>

(Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

Section: 69 Government use of patents during a period of extreme urgency 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
70, 71, 72

Remarks:
Adaptation amendments retroactively made - see 22 of 1999 s. 3

(1) During a period of declared extreme urgency a public officer authorized in writing by the Chief Executive or any person authorized in writing by such public officer may in relation to- (Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

(a) a patented invention, without the consent of the proprietor of the patent; or
(b) an invention in respect of which an application for a patent has been filed, without the consent of the

applicant, do any act in Hong Kong in relation to the invention as appears to the public officer or person authorized to be necessary or expedient in connection with the urgency giving rise to the declaration under section 68.

  1. (2) Any act done in relation to an invention by virtue of this section is in the following provisions of this section referred to as use, or Government use, of the invention; and "use" (徵用), in relation to an invention, in section 70 to 72 shall be construed accordingly. <* Note - Exp. X-Ref.: Sections 70, 71, 72 *>
    1. (3) Government use may include any act which would, apart from this section, amount to an infringement of the patent concerned or, as the case may be, give rise to a right under section 88 to bring proceedings in respect of the application for a standard patent.
    2. (4) Any Government use of the invention made at any time either-
      1. (a) after the publication of an application for a standard patent or the grant of a short-term patent for the invention; or
      2. (b) without prejudice to paragraph (a), in consequence of a relevant communication made otherwise than in confidence-
    3. (i) after the deemed date of filing of the application for the standard patent for the invention or the date of filing of the application of the short-term patent for the invention, as the case may be; or
  2. (ii) where priority was claimed, after the date of priority, shall be made on such terms as may be agreed, either before or after the use, by the Government and the proprietor of the patent or as may in default of agreement be determined by the court on a reference under section 72.
    1. (5) Where an invention is used by virtue of this section at any time after publication of an application for a standard patent for the invention but before such a patent is granted, and the terms for its use agreed or determined as mentioned in subsection (4) include terms as to payment for the use, then (notwithstanding anything in those terms) any such payment shall be recoverable only
      1. (a) after such a patent is granted; and
      2. (b) if (apart from this section) the use would, if the patent had been granted on the date of the publication of the application, have infringed not only the patent but also the claims (as interpreted by the description and any drawings referred to in the description or claims) in the form in which they were contained in the application as published.
  3. (6) The authority of a public officer in respect of an invention may be given under this section either before or after the patent is granted, and may be given to any person whether or not he is authorized directly or indirectly by the proprietor of the patent to do anything in relation to the invention.
  4. (7) Where any Government use of an invention is made by or with the authority of a public officer under this section, then the public officer shall notify the proprietor of the patent as soon as practicable, and furnish him with such information as to the extent of the use as he may from time to time require.
  5. (8) A person acquiring anything disposed of in the exercise of powers conferred by this section, and any person claiming through him, may deal with it in the same manner as if the patent were held on behalf of the Government.
  6. (9) Any reference in this section to a patented invention, in relation to any time, is a reference to an invention to which a patent has before that time been, or is subsequently, granted.
    1. In this section "relevant communication" (有關通訊), in relation to an invention, means a communication of the invention directly or indirectly by the proprietor of the patent or any person from whom he derives title.
    2. (11) Subsection (4) is without prejudice to any rule of law relating to the confidentiality of information. [cf. 1977 c. 37 ss. 55 & 56 U.K.]
    1. (1) The provisions of any licence, assignment or agreement specified in subsection (3) are of no effect in relation to
      1. (a) any Government use of an invention by a public officer, or a person authorized by a public officer, by virtue of section 69; or
      2. (b) anything done for Government use to the order of a public officer by the proprietor of a patent in respect of a patented invention or by the proprietor of an application in respect of an invention for which an application for a patent has been filed and is still pending,

so far as those provisions-

(i) restrict or regulate the working of the invention, or the use of any model, document or information relating to it; or
(ii) provide for the making of payments in respect of, or calculated by reference to, such working or use.
(2) The reproduction or publication of any model or document in connection with a working or use referred to in subsection (1) shall not be deemed to be an infringement of any copyright or protected layout-design (topography) subsisting in the model or document.
(3) The licence, assignment or agreement referred to in subsection (1) is any licence, assignment or agreement which is made, whether before or after the date of commencement of this Ordinance, between any person who is a proprietor of or an applicant for the patent, or anyone who derives title from any such person or from whom such person derives title (on the one hand), and any person whatever other than the Government (on the other hand).
(4) Where an exclusive licence granted otherwise than for royalties or other benefits determined by reference to the working of the invention is in force under the patent or application concerned, then
(a) section 69(4) applies in relation to anything done in respect of the invention which, but for this section and section 69(1), would be an infringement of the rights of the licensee, with the substitution in those provisions of reference to the proprietor of the patent with reference to the licensee; and
(b) section 69(4) does not apply in relation to anything done in respect of the invention by the licensee by

virtue of an authority given under section 69(1).

(5) Subject to subsection (4), where the patent, or the right to the grant of the patent, has been assigned to the proprietor of the patent or application in consideration of royalties or other benefits determined by reference to the working of the invention, then-
(a) section 69(4) applies in relation to any Government use of the invention as if reference to the proprietor of the patent included a reference to the assignor, and any sum payable for Government use under that subsection shall be divided between those persons in such proportion as may be agreed on by them or as may in default of agreement be determined by the court on a reference under section 72; and
(b) section 69(4) applies in relation to any act done in respect of the invention for Government use by the proprietor of the patent or application to the order of a public officer, as if that act were use made by virtue of an authority given under that section.
(6) Where section 69(4) applies to any use of an invention and a person holds an exclusive licence under the patent or application concerned (other than such a licence as is mentioned in subsection (4)) authorizing him to work the invention, then subsections (8) and (9) shall apply.
(7) In subsections (8) and (9) "the section 69(4) payment" (第69(4)條付款) means such payment (if any) as the proprietor of the patent or application and the Government agree under section 69, or the court determines under section 72, should be made by the public officer concerned to the proprietor in respect of the use of the invention.
(8) The licensee shall be entitled to recover from the proprietor of the patent or application such part (if any) of the section 69(4) payment as may be agreed on by them or as may in default of agreement be determined by the court under section 72 to be just having regard to any expenditure incurred by the licensee
(a) in developing the invention; or
(b) in making payments to the proprietor in consideration of the licence, other than royalties or other payments determined by reference to the use of the invention.
(9) Any agreement by the proprietor of the patent or application and the Government under section 69(4) as to the amount of the section 69(4) payment shall be of no effect unless the licensee consents to the agreement; and any determination by the court under section 69(4) as to the amount of that payment shall be of no effect unless the licensee has been informed of the reference to the court and is given an opportunity to be heard.

(10) In this section "the public officer concerned" (有關公職人員), in relation to any Government use of an

invention, means the public officer by whom or on whose authority the use was made. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 57 U.K.]

(1) Where Government use is made of an invention, the Government shall pay

(a) to the proprietor of the patent; or

(b) if there is an exclusive licence in force in respect of the patent, to the exclusive licensee, compensation for any loss resulting from his not being awarded a contract to supply the patented product or, as the case may be, to perform the patented process or supply a thing made by means of the patented process.
(2) Compensation is payable only to the extent that such a contract could have been fulfilled from the existing manufacturing or other capacity of the proprietor or licensee; but is payable notwithstanding the existence of circumstances rendering him ineligible for the award of such a contract.
(3) In determining the loss, regard shall be had to the profit which would have been made on such a contract and to the extent to which any manufacturing or other capacity was under-used.
(4) No compensation is payable in respect of any failure to secure contracts to supply the patented product or, as the case may be, to perform the patented process or supply a thing made by means of the patented process, otherwise than for Government use.
(5) The amount payable shall, if not agreed between the proprietor or licensee and the Government, be determined by the court on a reference under section 72, and is in addition to any amount payable under section 69 or

70. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 57A U.K.]

(1) Any dispute as to-

(a)
the exercise by a public officer, or a person authorized by a public officer, of the powers conferred by section 69;
(b)
terms for Government use of an invention under section 69;
(c)
the right of any person to receive any part of a payment made in pursuance of section 69(4); or
(d)
the right of any person to receive a payment under section 71, may be referred to the court by either party to the dispute after a patent has been granted for the invention.
(2)
In determining under this section any dispute between the Government and any person as to the terms for the Government use of an invention, the court shall have regard-
(a)
to any benefit or compensation which that person or any person from whom he derives title may have received or may be entitled to receive directly or indirectly from any public officer in respect of the invention in question;
(b)
to whether that person or any person from whom he derives title has in the court's opinion without reasonable cause failed to comply with a request of the public officer concerned for Government use of the invention on reasonable terms.
(3)
On a reference under this section the court may refuse to grant relief by way of compensation in respect of Government use of an invention
(a)
during any further period specified under section 33(4), but before payment of the maintenance fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of that section; or
(b)
during any further period specified under section 39(4) or 126(5) (as the case may be), but before the payment of the renewal fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of that section.
(4)
Where an amendment of the specification of a patent has been allowed under this Ordinance or has been recorded under section 43(2), the court shall not grant relief by way of compensation under this section in respect of any such use before the decision to allow the amendment or the recording of the amendment unless the court is satisfied that the specification of the patent as published was framed in good faith and with reasonable skill and knowledge.
(5)
If the validity of a patent is put in issue in proceedings under this section and it is found that the patent is only partially valid, the court may, subject to subsection (6), grant relief to the proprietor of the patent in respect of that part of the patent which is found to be valid and to have been used in Government use.
(6)
Where in any such proceedings it is found that a patent is only partially valid, the court shall not grant relief by way of compensation, costs or expenses except where the proprietor of the patent proves that the specification of the patent was framed in good faith and with reasonable skill and knowledge, and in that event the court may grant relief in respect of that part of the patent which is valid and has been so used, subject to the discretion of the court as to costs and expenses and as to the date from which compensation should be awarded.
(7)
As a condition of any such relief the court may direct that the specification of the patent shall be amended to its satisfaction upon an application made for that purpose under section 102, and an application may be so made accordingly, whether or not all other issues in the proceedings have been determined.
(8)
In considering the amount of any compensation for Government use of an invention after publication of an application for a standard patent for the invention and before such a patent is granted, the court shall consider whether or not it would have been reasonable to expect, from a consideration of the application as published that a patent would be granted conferring on the proprietor of the patent protection for an act of the same description as that found to constitute that use, and if the court finds that it would not have been reasonable, it shall reduce the compensation to such amount as it thinks just.
(9)
Where a person becomes the proprietor or one of the proprietors or an exclusive licensee of a patent (the new proprietor or licensee) by virtue of a transaction, instrument or event to which section 52 applies, then unless
(a)
an application for registration of the prescribed particulars of the transaction, instrument or event is made before the end of the period of 6 months beginning with its date; or
(b)
the court is satisfied that it was not practicable for such an application to be made before the end of

that period and that an application was made as soon as practicable thereafter, the new proprietor or licensee shall not be entitled to any compensation under section 69(4) (as it stands or as modified by section 70(4)) or to any compensation under section 71 in respect of any use of the patented invention by a public officer or a person authorized by a public officer under section 69 after the date of the transaction, instrument or event and before the prescribed particulars of the transaction, instrument or event are registered.

(10) One of 2 or more joint proprietors of a patent or application for a patent may without the concurrence of the others refer a dispute to the court under this section, but shall not do so unless the others are made parties to the proceedings; but any of the others made a defendant shall not be liable for any costs or expenses unless he enters an appearance and takes part in the proceedings.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 58 U.K.]

Section: 72A Interpretation of Part IXA L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

PART IXA

IMPORT COMPULSORY LICENCES FOR PATENTED
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires— “Director (署長) means the Director of Health; import compulsory licence (進口強制性特許) means a compulsory licence granted under section 72C; import compulsory licensee (進口強制性特許持有人) means the holder of an import compulsory licence; proprietor (所有人), in relation to a patent, means the proprietor of the patent that is granted in Hong Kong.

(Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72B Declaration of extreme urgency for public health problem L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

Expanded Cross Reference:
72C, 72D, 72E, 72F, 72G, 72H, 72I, 72J

(1) The Chief Executive in Council may, for the purposes of applying sections 72C to 72J, by notice published in the Gazette declare a period of extreme urgency whenever the Chief Executive in Council considers it to be necessary or expedient in the public interest to do so to address any public health problem or threatened public health problem in Hong Kong. <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 72C, 72D, 72E, 72F, 72G, 72H, 72I, 72J *>
(2) Where a period of extreme urgency has been declared under subsection (1), the Chief Executive in Council shall review from time to time, or cause to be reviewed from time to time, the public health problem or the threatened public health problem leading to the declaration.
(3) The period of extreme urgency declared under subsection (1) continues to run until such a date as may be specified by the Chief Executive in Council by notice published in the Gazette terminating the period of extreme urgency.

(4) A notice published under subsection (1) or (3) is subsidiary legislation. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72C Grant of import compulsory licences for patented pharmaceutical products L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

During a period of extreme urgency declared under section 72B(1), where the Director considers that the pharmaceutical industry in Hong Kong has no or insufficient capacity to manufacture a patented pharmaceutical product to meet the needs for the product in Hong Kong, the Director may grant an import compulsory licence under the patent concerned, subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose, to a public officer or any other person to do in Hong Kong in relation to the product all or any of the following which appears to the Director to be necessary or expedient in connection with the extreme urgency giving rise to the declaration

(a) importing, putting on the market, stocking or using the product;
(b) any other act which would, apart from this section, amount to an infringement of the patent concerned. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)
(1)
The terms and conditions subject to which an import compulsory licence is granted under section 72C shall include
(a)
terms and conditions in respect of
(i)
the acts authorized to be done in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product under the licence;
(ii)
the amount of the patented pharmaceutical product covered by the licence; and
(iii) the duration of the licence;
(b)
terms and conditions providing that
(i)
the patented pharmaceutical product which is imported to Hong Kong under the licence shall not be exported out of Hong Kong;
(ii)
the patented pharmaceutical product shall be
(A)
clearly identified as being imported under the licence through specific labelling or marking; and
(B)
distinguished from the same product made by or under authorization of the proprietor of the patent concerned through special packaging, colouring or shaping; and
(iii) the licence is non-assignable except with that part of the enterprise or goodwill which enjoys the use of the patent under the licence; and
(c)
any other terms or conditions as the Director thinks fit having regard to the public health needs in Hong Kong in the period of extreme urgency declared under section 72B(1).
(2) An import compulsory licence is non-exclusive. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)
(1)
If remuneration has been paid to the proprietor of a patent granted in an exporting member for production and export of a patented pharmaceutical product to Hong Kong in accordance with the relevant instrument or legislation, no remuneration shall be paid to the proprietor of the patent concerned granted in Hong Kong for the import compulsory licence in relation to the product.
(2)
If the proprietor of the patent concerned granted in Hong Kong establishes to the satisfaction of the Director that remuneration has not been paid to the proprietor of the patent granted in the exporting member for the production and export of the patented pharmaceutical product to Hong Kong in accordance with the relevant instrument or legislation and all legal remedies to recover payment of the remuneration in the exporting member have been exhausted, the Government shall pay to the proprietor of the patent concerned granted in Hong Kong such amount of remuneration
(a) as may be agreed between the Director and the proprietor of the patent concerned granted in Hong Kong subject to any order made by the court on an application under section 72J(2); or
(b)
as may be determined by the court on an application under section 72J(1) or (2), for the import compulsory licence in relation to the product.
(3)
Before reaching any agreement as to the amount of remuneration, the Director shall take into account any advice given by the Director of Intellectual Property as regards the remuneration.
(4)
The total amount of remuneration agreed under subsection (2)(a) to be payable in respect of the patent or all the patents (if there is more than one patent in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product) shall not exceed 4% of the total purchase price for the product payable by the import compulsory licensee to the seller of the product in the exporting member.
(5)
Where there is more than one patent in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product, the total amount of remuneration agreed under subsection (2)(a) shall be apportioned on an equal share basis among all the proprietors of the patents concerned.

(6) The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development may by notice published in the Gazette vary the

percentage specified in subsection (4). (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72F Notification of grant of import compulsory licences and remuneration agreed, etc. L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
(1) The Director shall as soon as practicable after the grant of an import compulsory licence under section 72C
(a) give notice in writing to the proprietor of the patent concerned of the grant of the licence and its terms
and conditions; and
(b) advertise in the official journal notice of the grant of the licence and its terms and conditions.
(2) The Director shall
(a) as soon as practicable after any amount of remuneration has been agreed under section 72E(2)(a)
between him and the proprietor of the patent concerned, advertise in the official journal a notice stating
(i) the amount of remuneration so agreed with the proprietor of the patent concerned named in the
notice and, where applicable, the apportionment of the amount of remuneration under section
72E(5); and
(ii) that any other person who is entitled to claim remuneration payable under section 72E(2) may
make an application to the court under section 72J(2); or
(b) as soon as practicable after he is satisfied that he and the proprietor of the patent concerned have failed
to agree on the amount of remuneration payable under section 72E(2), advertise in the official journal a
notice stating
(i) the fact of the failure to agree on the amount of remuneration with the proprietor of the patent
concerned named in the notice; and
(ii) that any other person who is entitled to claim remuneration payable under that section may make
an application to the court under section 72J(2).
(Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)
Section: 72G Termination of import compulsory licences L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
(1)
The Director may terminate an import compulsory licence by giving notice in writing to the import compulsory licensee if he is satisfied that any term or condition of the licence imposed under section 72C has been contravened.
(2)
The Director shall as soon as practicable after the termination of an import compulsory licence under subsection (1)
(a)
give notice in writing to the proprietor of the patent concerned of the termination; and
(b)
advertise in the official journal notice of the termination. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)
(1)
On the termination of the period of extreme urgency by a notice under section 72B(3), the import compulsory licensee shall take reasonable steps to recall or cause to recall any patented pharmaceutical product which is imported under the import compulsory licence from any person (other than a person who is in possession of the product privately for non-commercial purposes) who is in possession of the product disposed of in accordance with the licence.
(2)
An import compulsory licensee shall
(a)
surrender to the Director any patented pharmaceutical product which is in his possession or recalled under subsection (1); or
(b)
dispose of the product in such a way as may be agreed with the proprietor of the patent concerned granted in Hong Kong.
(3)
Where a patented pharmaceutical product is surrendered to the Director under subsection (2)(a)
(a)
the Government shall pay to the import compulsory licensee a sum equivalent to the purchase price for the product paid by the licensee to the seller of the product in the exporting member; and
(b)
the Director shall
(i)
dispose of the product in such a way as may be agreed with the proprietor of the patent concerned granted in Hong Kong; or
(ii)
in default of agreement, destroy the product as soon as practicable.
(4)
For the avoidance of doubt, stocking of any patented pharmaceutical product which is imported under an import compulsory licence does not amount to an infringement of the patent concerned on the part of the import compulsory licensee or the Director from the termination of the period of extreme urgency by a notice under section 72B(3) until
(a)
the import compulsory licensee surrenders the product to the Director under subsection (2)(a) or disposes of the product under subsection (2)(b); or
(b)
the Director disposes of the product under subsection (3)(b)(i) or destroys the product under subsection (3)(b)(ii),
Section: 72H Disposal of patented pharmaceutical products after period of extreme urgency etc. L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

as the case may be. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72I No infringement of patents by persons to whom patented pharmaceutical products are disposed of in accordance with import compulsory licences L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(1) A person to whom a patented pharmaceutical product is disposed of in accordance with an import compulsory licence may, without consent of the proprietor of the patent concerned, put on the market, stock or use the product, in Hong Kong, for the purposes in connection with the extreme urgency giving rise to the declaration under section 72B(1) as if he had been authorized by the licence to do so.

(2) A person to whom a patented pharmaceutical product is disposed of in accordance with an import

compulsory licence shall not export or cause to export the product out of Hong Kong. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72J References of disputes as to import compulsory licences L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
(1)
If the Director and the proprietor of the patent concerned fail to agree on the amount of remuneration payable under section 72E(2), either party may, subject to subsection (5), apply to the court for an order to determine the amount of remuneration payable under that section.
(2)
A person who is not a party to any agreement reached on the amount of remuneration under section 72E(2)(a) but is entitled to claim remuneration payable under section 72E(2) may, subject to subsection (5), apply to the court for an order for payment of remuneration under that section.
(3)
In determining the appropriate amount of remuneration payable to the proprietor of the patent concerned, the court shall take into account all factors relevant to the circumstances, including
(a)
the economic value to Hong Kong of the use of the patented pharmaceutical product imported under the relevant import compulsory licence; and
(b)
humanitarian or non-commercial factors relevant to the grant of the licence.
(4)
The total amount of remuneration determined by the court under subsection (3) to be payable in respect of the patent or all the patents (if there is more than one patent in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product) may exceed the maximum amount of remuneration that may be agreed under section 72E(2)(a).
(5)
No application may be made under subsection (1) or (2) after the expiry of the period of 28 days from the date of the advertisement of the notice under section 72F(2), unless the court determines otherwise.
(6) Any person aggrieved by
(a)
the grant of an import compulsory licence;
(b)
any term or condition of an import compulsory licence imposed under section 72C;
(c)
the apportionment of the amount of remuneration under section 72E(5); or
(d)
the termination of an import compulsory licence under section 72G(1), may, within 28 days after the date of the advertisement of the notice under section 72F(1)(b) or (2)(a)(i) or the date of the termination of the licence (as the case may be) or such further period as may be allowed by the court, apply to the court for a review of the grant of the licence, the terms or conditions of the licence, the apportionment of the amount of remuneration or the termination of the licence (as the case may be).
(7) In a review the court may
(a) confirm, vary or cancel the import compulsory licence;
(b) confirm, vary or cancel a term or condition of the import compulsory licence imposed under section 72C;
(c) confirm or vary the apportionment of the amount of remuneration under section 72E(5);
(d) confirm or reverse the termination of the import compulsory licence under section 72G(1); or
(e) make any other order as the court thinks fit in the circumstances.
(8) The proprietor of the patent concerned may apply to the court for an order to terminate an import compulsory licence on the ground that any term or condition of the licence imposed under section 72C has been contravened.

(9) The court may, on an application under subsection (8)

(a) make an order to terminate the import compulsory licence if the court is satisfied that any term or condition of the licence imposed under section 72C has been contravened; and
(b) make any other order as the court thinks fit in the circumstances. (Part IXA added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

PART IXB

EXPORT COMPULSORY LICENCES FOR PATENTED
PHARMACEUTICAL PRODUCTS

In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires— “Director (署長) means the Director of Health; export compulsory licence (出口強制性特許) means a compulsory licence granted under section 72M; export compulsory licensee (出口強制性特許持有人) means the holder of an export compulsory licence; Hong Kong patent number (香港專利編號), in relation to a patent, means

(a) a number assigned by the Registrar to a certificate issued in respect of the patent under section 27(1)(b);
(b) a number assigned by the Registrar to a certificate of grant issued in respect of the patent under section 118(2)(b); or
(c) a number assigned by the Registrar to a certificate of registration issued in respect of the patent under the Registration of Patents Ordinance (Cap 42) which has been repealed under section 154(1);

proprietor (所有人), in relation to a patent, means the proprietor of the patent that is granted in Hong Kong. (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

(1) At any time after the grant of a standard patent or a short-term patent in respect of a patented pharmaceutical product, any person may apply to the Director for the grant of an export compulsory licence under the patent concerned in relation to the product under section 72M.
(2) The application shall be made in writing and
(a) shall specify the following information
(i) the name and address of the applicant and of any agent or representative authorized by the applicant for the purpose of the application;
(ii) the name of the patented pharmaceutical product to be made and sold for export under an export compulsory licence the subject of the application;
(iii) the amount of the patented pharmaceutical product to be made and sold for export under the export compulsory licence;
(iv) the name of the eligible importing member to which the patented pharmaceutical product is to be exported under the export compulsory licence;
(v)
the duration of the export compulsory licence applied for by the applicant;
(vi)
the Hong Kong patent number or Hong Kong patent numbers in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product;
(vii) the proposed labelling, marking, packaging, colouring or shaping for the patented pharmaceutical product required by section 72N(1)(b)(ii); (viii) the address of a website on which the applicant is required to post the information referred to in section 72N(1)(b)(iii);
(ix)
any information obtained pursuant to subsection (3);
(x)
any other information as the Director may reasonably require for the purposes of granting the export compulsory licence; and
(b)
shall be accompanied by
(i)
a copy of the written request from the eligible importing member, any representative, nongovernmental organization or international health organization authorized by the eligible importing member to the applicant for the patented pharmaceutical product and the amount of the product requested;
(ii)
a copy of the notification made by the eligible importing member to the TRIPS Council stating
(A)
the name and the amount of the patented pharmaceutical product requested by the eligible importing member;
(B)
where the eligible importing member is not a least-developed country recognized by the United Nations, that the eligible importing member has no or insufficient capacity to manufacture the patented pharmaceutical product; and
(C)
where the pharmaceutical product is patented in the eligible importing member, that the eligible importing member has granted or intends to grant a compulsory licence to import the product in accordance with the relevant instrument or legislation;
(iii) where applicable, a copy of notice of the intended application given to the proprietor of the patent concerned under subsection (4)(b)(i) or (5)(a)(i);
(iv)
where applicable, a declaration made by the applicant under the Oaths and Declarations Ordinance (Cap 11) declaring that he has made reasonable efforts in accordance with subsection (4)(a) to obtain authorization from the proprietor of the patent concerned on reasonable commercial terms and conditions but the efforts have not been successful within 28 days after they had been made; and
(v)
if the pharmaceutical product is patented in the eligible importing member, documentary evidence of any compulsory licence granted by the eligible importing member for importation of the product.
(3)
A person who intends to make an application under subsection (1) shall, before he makes the application, take reasonable steps to obtain from the eligible importing member information on the amount of the patented pharmaceutical product to be made and exported to the eligible importing member by any exporting member other than Hong Kong under any compulsory licence granted elsewhere.
(4)
Where a person intends to make an application under subsection (1) and the eligible importing member has not notified the TRIPS Council that it is faced with a national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency, the person shall
(a)
not later than 28 days before the date of the application, make reasonable efforts to obtain authorization from the proprietor of the patent concerned on reasonable commercial terms and conditions to make and sell for export the patented pharmaceutical product of such amount as requested by the eligible importing member; and
(b)
not later than 14 days before the date of the application
(i)
give the proprietor of the patent concerned notice of the intended application containing the information required under subsection (2)(a) (except subparagraphs (viii) and (x) of that subsection); and
(ii)
attach to the notice all the documents and documentary evidence required under subsection (2)(b) (except subparagraphs (iii) and (iv) of that subsection).
(5)
Where a person intends to make an application under subsection (1) and the eligible importing member has notified the TRIPS Council that it is faced with a national emergency or other circumstances of extreme urgency, the person shall
(a)
(i) at any time before the application is made, give the proprietor of the patent concerned notice of the intended application containing the information required under subsection (2)(a) (except subparagraphs (viii) and (x) of that subsection); or
(ii) as soon as practicable after the application is made, give the proprietor of the patent concerned notice of the application containing the information required under subsection (2)(a);
(b)
attach to the notice all the documents and documentary evidence required under subsection (2)(b) (except subparagraphs (iii) and (iv) of that subsection); and
(c)
as soon as practicable after notice is given under paragraph (a), submit a copy of the notice to the

Director. (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

The Director may grant an export compulsory licence under the patent concerned, subject to such terms and conditions as he may impose, to an applicant to make a patented pharmaceutical product and sell the product for export to an eligible importing member if he is satisfied that

(a)
all the requirements of section 72L have been met;
(b)
the amount of the product applied for by the applicant to be made and sold for export under the licence does not exceed the amount stated in the notification referred to in section 72L(2)(b)(ii)(A), after taking into account any information obtained pursuant to section 72L(3); and
(c)
the application is made in response to the request from the eligible importing member referred to in

section 72L(2)(b)(i). (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

(1) The terms and conditions subject to which an export compulsory licence is granted under section 72M shall include

(a)
terms and conditions in respect of
(i)
the acts authorized to be done in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product under the licence;
(ii)
the amount of the patented pharmaceutical product authorized to be made and sold for export under the licence;
(iii) the eligible importing member to which the patented pharmaceutical product is to be exported under the licence; and (iv) the duration of the licence;
(b)
terms and conditions providing that
(i)
the licence is non-assignable except with that part of the enterprise or goodwill which enjoys the use of the patent under the licence;
(ii)
the patented pharmaceutical product shall be
(A)
clearly identified as being made under the licence through specific labelling or marking; and
(B)
distinguished from the same product made by or under authorization of the proprietor of the patent concerned through special packaging, colouring or shaping;
(iii) the export compulsory licensee shall, before shipment of the patented pharmaceutical product to the eligible importing member under the licence, post on the website maintained by or on behalf of the licensee or on the WTO website information in relation to
(A)
the amount of the patented pharmaceutical product that will be exported to the eligible importing member under the shipment; and
(B)
the labelling, marking, packaging, colouring or shaping for the patented pharmaceutical product required by subparagraph (ii);
(iv)
the export compulsory licensee shall pay to the proprietor of the patent concerned such amount of remuneration as determined by the Director under section 72P(1) for the export compulsory
licence in relation to the product;
(v)
where there is more than one patent in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product, the export compulsory licensee shall apportion on an equal share basis among all the proprietors of the patents concerned the total amount of remuneration determined by the Director under section 72P(1);
(vi)
subject to subparagraph (vii), the patented pharmaceutical product made under the licence shall be exported only to the eligible importing member specified in the licence; and
(vii) if the patented pharmaceutical product is also patented in the eligible importing member, the product shall be exported to the eligible importing member after it has granted a compulsory licence for importation of the product; and
(c)
any other terms or conditions as the Director thinks fit.

(2) An export compulsory licence is non-exclusive. (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72O Notification of grant of export compulsory licences L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

The Director shall as soon as practicable after the grant of an export compulsory licence under section 72M

(a)
give notice in writing to the proprietor of the patent concerned, as identified pursuant to the information specified in the application in accordance with section 72L(2)(a)(vi), of the grant of the licence and its terms and conditions; and
(b)
advertise in the official journal notice of the grant of the licence and its terms and conditions. (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)
Section: 72P Determination of remuneration payable to proprietors of patents L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
(1)
The Director shall determine the amount of remuneration payable to the proprietor of the patent concerned under section 72N(1)(b)(iv).
(2)
In determining the amount of remuneration, the Director shall take into account any advice given by the Director of Intellectual Property as regards the remuneration.
(3)
The total amount of remuneration determined by the Director under subsection (1) to be payable in respect of the patent or all the patents (if there is more than one patent in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product) shall not exceed 4% of the total purchase price for the product payable by the eligible importing member to the export compulsory licensee.

(4) The Secretary for Commerce and Economic Development may by notice published in the Gazette vary the

percentage specified in subsection (3). (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 72Q Termination of export compulsory licences L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
(1)
The Director may terminate an export compulsory licence by giving notice in writing to the export compulsory licensee if he is satisfied that
(a)
any term or condition of the licence imposed under section 72M has been contravened; or
(b)
any information, document or documentary evidence specified in or accompanying the application in accordance with section 72L(2) is false, incorrect or incomplete in any material particular.
(2)
The Director shall as soon as practicable after the termination of an export compulsory licence under subsection (1)
(a)
give notice in writing to the proprietor of the patent concerned, as identified pursuant to the information specified in the application in accordance with section 72L(2)(a)(vi), of the termination; and
(b)
advertise in the official journal notice of the termination. (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)
(1) Any person aggrieved by
(a)
the grant of an export compulsory licence;
(b)
any term or condition of an export compulsory licence imposed under section 72M; or
(c)
the termination of an export compulsory licence under section 72Q(1), may, within 28 days after the date of the advertisement of the notice under section 72O(b) or the date of the termination of the licence (as the case may be) or such further period as may be allowed by the court, apply to the court for a review of the grant of the licence, the terms or conditions of the licence or the termination of the licence (as the case may be).
(2) In a review the court may
(a)
confirm, vary or cancel the export compulsory licence;
(b)
confirm, vary or cancel a term or condition of the export compulsory licence imposed under section 72M;
(c)
confirm or vary the determination of the amount of remuneration under section 72P(1);
(d)
confirm or reverse the termination of the export compulsory licence under section 72Q(1); or
(e)
make any other order as the court thinks fit in the circumstances.
(3)
In determining the appropriate amount of remuneration payable to the proprietor of the patent concerned, the court shall take into account all factors relevant to the circumstances, including
(a)
the economic value to the eligible importing member of the use of the patented pharmaceutical product exported to it under the relevant export compulsory licence; and
(b)
humanitarian or non-commercial factors relevant to the grant of the licence.
(4)
The total amount of remuneration determined by the court under subsection (3) to be payable in respect of the patent or all the patents (if there is more than one patent in relation to the patented pharmaceutical product) may exceed the maximum amount of remuneration that may be determined by the Director under section 72P(1).
(5)
The proprietor of the patent concerned may apply to the court for an order to terminate an export compulsory licence on the ground that
(a)
any term or condition of the licence imposed under section 72M has been contravened; or
(b)
any information, document or documentary evidence specified in or accompanying the application in accordance with section 72L(2) is false, incorrect or incomplete in any material particular.

(6) The court may, on an application under subsection (5)

(a)
make an order to terminate the export compulsory licence if the court is satisfied that
(i)
any term or condition of the licence imposed under section 72M has been contravened; or
(ii)
any information, document or documentary evidence specified in or accompanying the application in accordance with section 72L(2) is false, incorrect or incomplete in any material particular; and
(b)
make any other order as the court thinks fit in the circumstances. (Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

For the purposes of this Part

(a)
a document signed for or on behalf of a firm shall be signed by all of its partners, by any partner stating that he signs on behalf of the firm or by any other person who satisfies the Director that he is authorized by the firm to sign the document;
(b)
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 corporate or by any other person who satisfies the Director that he is authorized by the body corporate to sign the document; and
(c)
a document signed for or on behalf of an unincorporated body or association of persons other than a firm shall be signed by any person who satisfies the Director that he is authorized by the unincorporated body or association of persons (as the case may be) to sign the document.

(Part IXB added 21 of 2007 s. 5)

Section: 73 Prevention of direct use of invention 30/06/1997

PART X

EFFECTS OF PATENT AND PATENT APPLICATION

A patent while it is in force shall confer on its proprietor the right to prevent all third parties not having his consent from doing in Hong Kong all or any of the following

(a)
in relation to any product which is the subject-matter of the patent
(i)
making, putting on the market, using or importing the product; or
(ii)
stocking the product, whether for the purpose of putting it on the market (in Hong Kong or elsewhere) or otherwise;
(b)
in relation to any process which is the subject-matter of the patent-
(i)
using the process; or
(ii)
offering the process for use in Hong Kong when the third party knows, or it is obvious to a reasonable person in the circumstances, that the use of the process is prohibited without the consent of the proprietor of the patent;
(c)
where the invention is a process, then in relation to any product obtained directly by means of that process
(i)
putting on the market, using or importing the product; or
(ii)
stocking the product, whether for the purpose of putting it on the market (in Hong Kong or

elsewhere) or otherwise. [cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 40 Eire]

Section: 74 Prevention of indirect use of invention 30/06/1997
(1)
A patent while it is in force shall also confer on its proprietor the right to prevent all third parties not having his consent from supplying or offering to supply in Hong Kong a person, other than a party entitled to work the patented invention, with means, relating to an essential element of that invention, for putting it into effect, when the third party knows, or it is obvious in the circumstances to a reasonable person, that the said means are suitable and intended for putting that invention into effect in Hong Kong.
(2)
Subsection (1) shall not apply when the means referred to therein are staple commercial products, unless the supply or offering is made for the purpose of inducing the person supplied or, as the case may be, to whom the offer is made to commit acts which the proprietor of a patent is enabled to prevent by virtue of section 73.
(3)
Persons performing acts referred to in section 75(a), (b) or (c) shall not be considered to be parties entitled to work an invention pursuant to subsection (1).

(4) For the purposes of subsection (1)-

(a)
reference in that subsection to a person entitled to work an invention includes a reference to a person so entitled by virtue of section 69; and
(b)
a person who by virtue of section 30, 35, 39(4), 41(4) or (5), 83, 106(4) or 126(5) (including, in the case of section 41, that section as applied by section 127) is entitled to do an act in relation to the invention without it constituting an infringement of a patent for the invention shall, so far as concerns that act, be treated as a person entitled to work the invention.

[cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 41 Eire]

Section: 75 Limitation of effect of patent 30/06/1997

The rights conferred by a patent shall not extend to

(a)
acts done privately for non-commercial purposes;
(b)
acts done for experimental purposes relating to the subject-matter of the relevant patented invention;
(c)
the extemporaneous preparation for individual cases in a pharmacy of a medicine in accordance with a medical prescription issued by a registered medical practitioner or registered dentist (which terms bear the meaning assigned to them by section 2 of the Medical Registration Ordinance (Cap 161) and section 2(1) of the Dentists Registration Ordinance (Cap 156) respectively) or acts concerning the medicine so prepared;
(d)
the use of the invention which is the subject of the patent-
(i)
on board vessels registered in any of the Paris Convention countries or WTO member countries, territories or areas, other than Hong Kong; or
(ii)
in the body of such vessels, or in the machinery, tackle, gear or other accessories of such vessels, when such vessels temporarily or accidentally enter the territorial waters of Hong Kong, but only if the invention is used in such waters exclusively for the needs of the vessel;
(e)
the use of the invention which is the subject of the patent in the construction or operation of
(i)
aircraft, hovercraft or land vehicles of Paris Convention countries or WTO member countries, territories or areas, other than Hong Kong; or
(ii)
such aircraft, hovercraft or land vehicle accessories,
when such aircraft, hovercraft or land vehicles temporarily or accidentally enter Hong Kong;
(f)
the use of an aircraft to which section 10(4) of the Civil Aviation Ordinance (Cap 448) applies which has lawfully entered or is lawfully crossing Hong Kong (including the air space above it and its territorial waters), or the importation into Hong Kong, or the use or storage there, of any part or accessory for such an aircraft.

[cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 42 Eire]

Section: 76 Extent of invention 30/06/1997

(1) For the purposes of this Ordinance-

(a)
an invention in respect of which an application for a patent has been filed shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be taken to be that specified in a claim of the specification of the application, as interpreted by the description and any drawings contained in that specification;
(b)
an invention for which a patent has been granted shall, unless the context otherwise requires, be taken to be that specified in a claim of the specification of the patent, as interpreted by the description and any drawings contained in that specification,

and the extent of the protection conferred by a patent or an application for a patent shall be determined accordingly.

(2) Where more than one invention is specified in any such claim in relation to a patent or an application for a patent, each invention may have a different date of priority for the purposes of this Ordinance.

(3) Subsection (1) should not be interpreted in either of the following senses, namely-

(a)
in the sense that the extent of the protection conferred by a patent is to be understood as that defined by the strict, literal meaning of the wording used in the claims, the description and drawings being employed only for the purpose of resolving an ambiguity found in the claims, on the one hand; or
(b)
in the sense that the claims serve only as a guideline and that the actual protection conferred by a patent may extend to what, from a consideration of the description and drawings by a person skilled in the art, the patentee has contemplated, on the other hand,

but rather is to be interpreted as defining a position between these extremes which combines a fair protection for the proprietor of the patent or the application for a patent with a reasonable degree of certainty for third parties. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 125 U.K.]

Section: 77 Disclosure of invention 30/06/1997

The application for and specification of a patent for an invention shall disclose the invention to which it relates in a manner sufficiently clear and complete for it to be performed by a person skilled in the art. [cf. EPC Art. 83]

Section: 78 The claims 30/06/1997

The claims shall define the matter for which protection is given or sought, be clear and concise and be supported by the description. [cf. EPC Art. 84; 1992 No. 1 s. 20 Eire]

Section: 79 The abstract 30/06/1997

The abstract shall only serve for use as technical information; it may not be taken into account for any other purpose and in particular it may be used neither for the purpose of interpreting the scope of the protection given nor for the purpose of applying section 94(3).

[cf. EPC Art. 85; 1992 No. 1 s. 22(1) Eire]

Section: 80 Proceedings for infringement of patent 30/06/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
73, 74, 75

PART XI

INFRINGEMENT

(1) Subject to this Part, civil proceedings may be brought in the court by the proprietor of a patent in respect of any act of infringement which he alleges he is entitled under sections 73 to 75 to prevent and (without prejudice to any other jurisdiction of the court) in those proceedings a claim may be made- <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 73, 74, 75 *>
(a) for an injunction restraining the defendant from any apprehended act of such infringement;
(b) for an order requiring the defendant to deliver up or destroy any patented product in relation to which the patent is infringed or any article in which the product is inextricably comprised;
(c) for damages in respect of the infringement;
(d) for an account of the profits derived by the defendant from the infringement;
(e) for a declaration that the patent is valid and has been infringed by the defendant.
(2) The court shall not, in respect of the same infringement, both award the proprietor of a patent damages and order that he shall be given an account of the profits.
(3) Subject to this Part, in determining whether or not to grant any kind of relief claimed under this section and the extent of the relief granted the court shall apply the principles applied by the court in relation to that kind of relief immediately before the commencement of this Part.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 61 U.K; 1992 No. 1 s. 47 Eire]
(1) In proceedings for the infringement of a patent damages shall not be awarded, and no order shall be made for an account of profits, against a defendant who proves that at the date of the infringement he was not aware, and had no reasonable grounds for supposing, that the patent existed.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1) a person shall not be taken to have been so aware or to have had reasonable grounds for so supposing by reason only of the application to a product of the word "patent" or "patented" or "專利" or "取得專利", or any word or words expressing or implying that a patent has been obtained for the
product, unless the number of the patent accompanied the word or words in question.
(3) In proceedings for infringement of a patent the court may, if it thinks fit, refuse to award any damages or make any such order in respect of an infringement committed during any further period specified under section 39(4) or 126(5), as the case may be, but before the payment of the renewal fee and any additional fee prescribed for the purposes of that subsection.
(4) Where an amendment of the specification of a patent has been allowed under this Ordinance, no damages shall be awarded in any proceedings for an infringement of the patent committed before the date of the decision to allow the amendment or of the recording of the amendment pursuant to section 43(2), as the case may be, unless the court is satisfied that the specification of the patent as originally published was framed in good faith and with reasonable skill and knowledge.
(5) Without limiting the effect of subsection (4), where an order has been made by the court under section 46(1) allowing an amendment of the specification of a patent, no damages shall be awarded in any proceedings for an infringement of the patent committed after the date on which the order is made and before a copy of the order is filed with the Registrar for the purposes of section 46(5).
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 62 U.K.]
(1)
If the validity of a patent is put in issue in proceedings for infringement of the patent and it is found that the patent is only partially valid, the court may, subject to subsection (2), grant relief in respect of that part of the patent which is found to be valid and infringed.
(2)
Where in any such proceedings it is found that a patent is only partially valid, the court shall not grant relief by way of damages or costs, except where the plaintiff proves that the specification for the patent was framed in good faith and with reasonable skill and knowledge, and in that event the court may grant relief in respect of that part of the patent which is valid and infringed, subject to the discretion of the court as to costs and as to the date from which damages should be reckoned.
(3)
As a condition of relief under subsection (1) or (2) the court may direct that the specification of the patent shall be amended to its satisfaction upon an application made for that purpose under section 102, and such an application may be made whether or not all other issues in the proceedings have been determined.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 63 U.K.]
(1)
Where a patent is granted for an invention, a person who in Hong Kong before the deemed date of filing of the application for the standard patent or the date of filing of the application for the short-term patent (as the case may be) or, if priority was claimed, before the date of priority
(a) does in good faith an act which would constitute an infringement of the patent if it were in force; or
(b)
makes in good faith effective and serious preparations to do such an act, has the rights specified in subsection (2).
Section: 81 Restrictions on recovery of damages for infringement 30/06/1997
Section: 82 Relief for infringement of partially valid patent 30/06/1997
Section: 83 Right to continue use begun before priority date 30/06/1997

(2) The rights referred to in subsection (1) are-

(a)
the right to continue to do or, as the case may be, to do the act referred to in subsection (1);
(b)
if such act was done or preparations had been made to do it in the course of a business
(i)
in the case of an individual-
(A)
the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on death; or
(B)
the right to authorize the doing of that act by any of his partners for the time being in the business in the course of which the act was done or preparations had been made to do it;
(ii)
in the case of a body corporate, the right to assign the right to do it or to transmit such right on

the body's dissolution, and the doing of that act by virtue of this subsection shall not amount to an infringement of the patent concerned.

(3)
The rights specified in subsection (2) shall not include the right to grant a licence to any person to do an act referred to in subsection (1).
(4)
Where a patented product is disposed of to another in exercise of a right conferred by subsection (2), that other and any person claiming through him may deal with the product in the same way as if it had been disposed of by a registered proprietor of the patent.

[cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 55 Eire]

Section: 84 Certificate of contested validity of patent 25 of 1998 s. 2 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Amendments retroactively made -see 25 of 1998 s. 2

(1)
If in any proceedings before the court the validity of a patent to any extent is contested and that patent is found by the court to be wholly or partially valid, the court may certify the finding and the fact that the validity of the patent was so contested.
(2)
Where a certificate is granted under this section, then if, in any subsequent proceedings before the court for infringement of the patent concerned or for revocation of the patent, a final order or judgment is made or given in favour of the party relying on the validity of the patent that party shall, unless the court otherwise directs, be entitled to his costs on the indemnity basis within the meaning of that term as appearing in Order 62 rule 28 of the Rules of the High Court (Cap 4 sub. leg.) (other than the costs of any appeal in the subsequent proceedings). (Amended 25 of 1998
s.
2)
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 65 U.K.]
(1)
In the application of section 73 to a patent of which there are 2 or more joint proprietors the reference to the proprietor shall be construed-
(a)
in relation to any act, as a reference to that proprietor or those proprietors who, by virtue of section 54 or any agreement referred to in that section, is or are entitled to do that act without its amounting to an infringement; and
(b)
in relation to any consent, as a reference to that proprietor or those proprietors who, by virtue of section 54 or any such agreement, is or are the proper person or persons to give the requisite consent.
(2)
One of 2 or more joint proprietors of a patent may without the concurrence of the others bring proceedings in respect of an act alleged to infringe the patent, but shall not do so unless the others are made parties to the proceedings, but any of the others made a defendant in pursuance of this subsection shall not be liable for any costs or expenses unless he enters an appearance and takes part in the proceedings.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 66 U.K.]
(1)
Subject to this section, the holder of an exclusive licence under a patent shall have the same right as the proprietor of the patent to bring proceedings in respect of any infringement of the patent committed after the date of the licence; and references to the proprietor of the patent in the provisions of this Ordinance relating to infringement shall be construed accordingly.
(2)
In awarding damages or granting any other relief in any such proceedings the court shall take into consideration any loss suffered or likely to be suffered by the exclusive licensee as such as a result of the infringement, or, as the case may be, the profits derived from the infringement, so far as it constitutes an infringement of the rights of the exclusive licensee as such.
(3)
In any proceedings taken by an exclusive licensee by virtue of this section the proprietor of the patent shall be made a party to the proceedings, but if made a defendant in pursuance of this subsection shall not be liable for costs or expenses unless he enters an appearance and takes part in the proceedings.
Section: 85 Proceedings for infringement by a co-owner 30/06/1997
Section: 86 Proceedings for infringement by exclusive licensee 30/06/1997

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 67 U.K.]

Section: 87 Effect of non-registration on infringement proceedings 30/06/1997

Where a person becomes the proprietor or one of the proprietors or an exclusive licensee of a patent by virtue of a transaction, instrument or event to which section 52 applies, then unless-

(a)
an application for registration of the prescribed particulars of the transaction, instrument or event is made before the end of the period of 6 months beginning with its date; or
(b)
the court is satisfied that it was not practicable for such an application to be made before the end of

that period and that an application was made as soon as practicable thereafter, he is not entitled to damages or an account of profits in respect of any infringement of the patent occurring after the date of the transaction, instrument or event and before the prescribed particulars of the transaction, instrument or event are registered.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 68 U.K.]

Section: 88 Infringement of rights conferred by publication of application for standard patent 30/06/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
85, 86, 87

(1) Subject to this section, where an application for a standard patent is published the applicant shall have, as from the date of publication and until the grant of the standard patent, the same right as he would have had, if the

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

patent had been granted on the date of the publication of the application, to bring proceedings in the court for damages in respect of any act which would have infringed the patent.

(2)
Further to subsection (1), references in sections 73, 74, 75, 80, 81 and 85 to 87- <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 85, 86, 87 *>
(a)
to a patent and the proprietor of a patent, as they relate to a standard patent, shall be respectively construed as including references to the application for the standard patent and the applicant; and
(b)
to a patent being in force, being granted, being valid or existing, as they relate to a standard patent, shall be construed accordingly, and for this purpose the reference in section 81(3) to section 39(4) shall be read as a reference to section 33(4).
(3) The applicant shall be entitled to bring proceedings by virtue of this section in respect of any act only
(a)
after the standard patent has been granted; and
(b)
if the act would, if the patent had been granted on the date of publication of the request to record, have infringed not only the standard patent, but also the claims (as interpreted by the description and any drawings referred to in the description or claims) in the form in which they were contained in the published request to record.
(4)
Section 81(4) shall not apply to an infringement of the rights conferred by this section, but in considering the amount of any damages for such an infringement, the court shall consider whether or not it would have been reasonable to expect, from a consideration of the application for a standard patent as published that a patent would be granted conferring on the proprietor of the patent protection from an act of the same description as that found to infringe those rights, and if the court finds that it would not have been reasonable, it shall reduce the damages to such an amount as it thinks just.

(5) An applicant shall be deemed never to have had the rights set out in subsection (1) if the application for a

standard patent is refused or withdrawn or is deemed to be withdrawn. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 69 U.K.]

(1)
Where a person (whether or not the proprietor of, or entitled to any right in, a patent) by circulars, advertisements or otherwise threatens another person with proceedings for infringement of a patent, a person aggrieved by the threats (whether or not he is the person to whom the threats are made) may, subject to subsection (4), bring proceedings in the court against the person making the threats for any such relief as is mentioned in subsection (3).
(2)
In any such proceedings the plaintiff shall, if he proves that the threats were so made and satisfies the court that he is a person aggrieved by them, be entitled to the relief claimed unless-
(a)
the defendant proves that the acts in respect of which proceedings were threatened constitute or, if done, would constitute an infringement of a patent; and
(b)
the patent alleged to be infringed is not shown by the plaintiff to be invalid in a relevant respect.
(3) The said relief is-
(a)
a declaration to the effect that the threats are unjustifiable;
(b)
an injunction against the continuance of the threats; and
(c)
such damages, if any, as have been sustained by the plaintiff by reason of the threats.
(4)
Proceedings may not be brought under this section as regards a threat to bring proceedings for an infringement alleged to consist of making a product for putting on the market or of using a process.

(5) For the purposes of this section a notification of the existence of a patent does not of itself constitute a

threat of proceedings. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 70 U.K.]

Without prejudice to the court's jurisdiction to make a declaration apart from this section, a declaration that an act does not, or a proposed act would not, constitute an infringement of a patent may be made by the court in proceedings between the person doing or proposing to do the act and the proprietor of the patent, notwithstanding that no assertion to the contrary has been made by the proprietor, if it is shown that-

(a)
that person has applied in writing to the proprietor for a written acknowledgment to the effect of the declaration claimed, and has furnished him with full particulars in writing of the act in question; and
(b)
the proprietor has refused or failed to give any such acknowledgment.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 71 U.K.]

PART XII

REVOCATION OF PATENTS

General provisions

(1) Subject to this Ordinance, the court may on the application of any person by order revoke a patent for an invention on (but only on) any of the following grounds, that is to say

(a)
that the invention is not a patentable invention;
(b)
that the patent was granted to a person who was not entitled to be granted that patent;
(c)
that the specification of the patent does not disclose the invention in a manner sufficiently clear and complete for it to be performed by a person skilled in the art;
(d)
that the matter disclosed in the specification of the patent extends beyond that disclosed in the application for the patent as filed or, if the patent was granted on a new application filed under section 55(4) or as mentioned in section 22 or 116, in the earlier application for a patent as filed;
(e)
that the protection conferred by the patent has been extended by an amendment of the application for the patent or the specification of the patent which is invalid;
(f)
that the patent is one of 2 standard patents for the same invention, the applications for which were filed by the same person and have the same deemed date of filing;
(g)
that the patent is one of 2 short-term patents for the same invention, the applications for which were filed by the same person and have the same date of filing;
(h)
that-
(i)
the patent is one of 2 patents for the same invention, one such patent being a standard patent and the other being a short-term patent, the applications for which were filed by the same person and have the same deemed date of filing or date of filing; and
(ii)
the 2 patents are not under the proprietorship of the same person;
(i)
in the case of a standard patent, that the corresponding designated patent has been revoked following prescribed opposition or revocation proceedings in the designated patent office.
(2)
An order under this section may be
(a)
an order for the unconditional revocation of the patent; or
(b)
where the court determines that one of the grounds mentioned in subsection (1)(a) to (h) has been established, but only so as to invalidate the patent to a limited extent, an order that the patent should be revoked unless within a specified time the specification is amended under section 102 to the satisfaction of the court.
(3)
In subsection (1)(f), (g) and (h)-
(a)
reference to the date of filing or deemed date of filing of an application for a patent shall be read as a reference to that date or, if priority was claimed in respect of the application, to the date of priority of the application;
(b)
reference to the applications for 2 patents being filed by the same person shall be read as a reference to that case or to the case where-
(i)
the person filing one of the applications is the successor in title to the person filing the other application; or
(ii)
the persons filing the applications are both successors in title to the same former proprietor of the

invention. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 72 U.K.; EPC Art. 138]

(1) An application for the revocation of a patent on the ground mentioned in section 91(1)(b)

(a)
may be made only by a person found by the court in an action for a declaration or on a reference under
section 55 to be entitled to be granted that patent or to be granted a patent for part of the matter comprised in the specification of the patent sought to be revoked, or in case more than one person is found to be so entitled, by all those persons; and
(b)
notwithstanding paragraph (a), may not be made if the action for a declaration was commenced or the reference under section 55 was made after the end of the period of 2 years beginning with the date of the grant of the patent sought to be revoked, unless it is shown that any person registered as a proprietor of the patent knew at the time of the grant or of the transfer of the patent to him that he was not entitled to the patent.

(2) On an application for the revocation of a patent on the ground mentioned in section 91(1)(f), (g) or (h), the court shall not make an order for revocation unless the proprietor of each patent has been allowed an opportunity of making observations and of amending the specification of the patent, and if the proprietors fail to satisfy the court that there are not 2 patents in respect of the same invention, or to amend one or both specifications so as to prevent there being 2 patents in respect of the same invention, the court shall revoke the patent having the shorter remaining period in force under section 39(1) or 126(1) (as may be appropriate) or, if both patents have the same remaining period in force, shall revoke any one of the patents.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 72 U.K.]

Patentable inventions

(1)
An invention is patentable if it is susceptible of industrial application, is new and involves an inventive step.
(2)
The following in particular shall not be regarded as inventions within the meaning of subsection (1)
(a)
a discovery, scientific theory or mathematical method;
(b)
an aesthetic creation;
(c)
a scheme, rule or method for performing a mental act, playing a game or doing business, or a program for a computer;
(d)
the presentation of information.
(3)
Subsection (2) shall exclude patentability of subject-matter or activities referred to in that subsection only to the extent to which a patent or patent application relates to such subject-matter or activities as such.
(4)
A method for treatment of the human or animal body by surgery or therapy and a diagnostic method practised on the human or animal body shall not be regarded as an invention which is susceptible of industrial application for the purposes of subsection (1), but this subsection shall not apply to a product, and in particular a substance or composition, for use in any such method.
(5)
An invention the publication or working of which would be contrary to public order ("ordre public") or morality shall not be a patentable invention; however, the working of an invention shall not be deemed to be so contrary merely because it is prohibited by any law in force in Hong Kong.

(6) A plant or animal variety or an essentially biological process for the production of plants or animals, other

than a microbiological process or the products of such a process, shall not be patentable. [cf. EPC Art. 52 & 53; 1977 c. 37 ss. 1 & 4 U.K.; 1992 No. 1 ss. 9 & 10 Eire]

(1) An invention shall be considered to be new if it does not form part of the state of the art.

(2) The state of the art shall be held to comprise everything made available to the public (whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere) by means of a written or oral description, by use, or in any other way

(a)
before the deemed date of filing of an application for a standard patent for the invention or, if priority was claimed, before the date of priority; or
(b)
before the date of filing of an application for a short-term patent for the invention or, if priority was

claimed, before the date of priority, whichever is the earlier.

(3) Additionally, the state of the art shall be considered as comprising the content of-

(a)
any application for a standard patent as filed, of which-
(i)
the deemed date of filing or, if priority was claimed, the date of priority is before the date referred to in subsection (2); and
(ii)
the corresponding designated patent application was published in the designated patent office on or after the date referred to in subsection (2);
(b)
any designated patent application as filed in a designated patent office-
(i)
of which the date of filing or, if priority was claimed in the designated patent office, the date of priority accorded in the designated patent office is before the date referred to in subsection (2); and
(ii)
which was published by the designated patent office on or after the date referred to in subsection (2); or
(c)
any application for a short-term patent-
(i)
of which the date of filing or, if priority was claimed, the date of priority is before the date referred to in subsection (2); and
(ii)
pursuant to which a short-term patent was published under this Ordinance on or after the date referred to in subsection (2).
(4)
Subsections (1) to (3) shall not exclude the patentability of any substance or composition, comprised in the state of the art, for use in a method referred to in section 93(4) where its use for any method referred to in that subsection is not comprised in the state of the art.
[cf. EPC Art. 54; 1977 c. 37 s. 2 U.K.; 1992 No. 1 s. 11 Eire]
(1)
For the application of section 94 in the case of a standard patent application, but subject to section 15(2)(f), a disclosure of the invention shall not be taken into consideration if it occurred no earlier than 6 months before the deemed date of filing of the application and if it was due to, or in consequence of-
(a)
an evident abuse in relation to the applicant or any proprietor of the invention for the time being; or
(b)
the fact that the applicant or any proprietor of the invention for the time being has displayed the invention at a prescribed exhibition or meeting.
(2)
Subsection (1)(b) shall only have effect if, at the time of filing the corresponding designated patent application, the applicant stated in accordance with the law of the designated patent office relating to non-prejudicial disclosure that the invention had been so displayed.
[cf. EPC Art. 55]
(1)
An invention shall be considered as involving an inventive step if, having regard to the state of the art, it is not obvious to a person skilled in the art.
Section: 95 Non-prejudicial disclosure in case of standard patent application 30/06/1997
Section: 96 Inventive step 30/06/1997

(2) For the purpose of subsection (1), if the state of the art also includes documents within the meaning of

section 94(3), these documents are not to be considered in deciding whether there has been an inventive step. [cf. EPC Art. 56]

Section: 97 Industrial application 30/06/1997

An invention shall be considered as susceptible of industrial application if it can be made or used in any kind of industry, including agriculture. [cf. EPC Art. 57]

Section: 98 Priority right 30/06/1997

Priority for standard patent application

(1)
This section applies to the proprietor of a designated patent application for an invention who, on the basis of an earlier application in a Paris Convention country for a patent or other protection for the same invention, enjoys under the law of the designated patent office a right of priority for the period of 12 months after the date of filing the earlier application.
(2) Such person or his successor in title shall enjoy, for the purposes of filing an application for a standard patent for the invention which is the subject of the designated patent application, the same right of priority as he enjoys in respect of the designated patent application under the law of the designated patent office.
(3) Subsections (1) and (2) also apply where-
(a) the earlier application was filed in a country, territory or area which is not a Paris Convention country; and
(b) the right of priority enjoyed in the designated patent office is granted consequent upon an international agreement to which Hong Kong is a party or which is otherwise applied to Hong Kong by a party to the agreement, which agreement provides for the grant of such priority on the basis of a first filing made in or for that country, territory or area and subject to conditions equivalent to those laid down in the Paris Convention.
(4) Reference in this section to the law of a designated patent office includes reference to the law of the designated patent office dealing with the circumstances under which-
(a) a filing in a Paris Convention country that is equivalent to a regular national filing under the domestic legislation of that country or under bilateral or multilateral agreements gives rise to a right of priority;
(b) a subsequent application for a patent for the same subject-matter as a previous first application and filed in or in respect of the same Paris Convention country is to be considered as the first application for the purposes of determining priority;
(c) multiple priorities may be claimed in respect of a designated patent application.
(5) The rights conferred by this section are subject to sections 15(2)(e) and 23(3)(c).
(6) In this section, "Paris Convention country" (巴黎公約國) means a country or territory other than Hong Kong which is a party to the Paris Convention or a dependent territory of any such country to which that Convention has been extended.
[cf. EPC Art. 87 & 88; 1992 No. 1 ss. 25 & 26 Eire; 1977 c. 37 s. 5 U.K.]
(1) The right of priority conferred under section 98 shall have the effect that the date of priority enjoyed in the designated patent office shall be regarded as being the date of priority of the standard patent application for the purposes of this Ordinance.
(2) A patent granted pursuant to a standard patent application in respect of which the proprietor enjoys a right of priority as provided in section 98 shall not be invalidated by reason only of the fact that any subject-matter disclosed in the earlier application (that is to say, the application on the basis of which the right of priority is enjoyed in the designated patent office) was made available to the public at any time after the date of filing of the earlier application.

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

[cf. EPC Art. 89; 1992 No. 1 s. 27 Eire]

Right to a patent

(1) Except as provided in subsection (2), the right to a patent shall belong to the inventor or his successor in title.
(2) If the inventor is an employee, the right to the patent shall be determined in accordance with the law of the country, territory or area in which the employee is wholly or mainly employed or, if the identity of such country, territory or area cannot be determined, in accordance with the law of the country, territory or area in which the employer has his place of business to which the employee is attached.
(3) If 2 or more persons have made an invention independently of each other, the right to the patent shall belong
(a) as between persons who have applied for or been granted a standard patent for the invention, to the person in respect of whose application for the standard patent the date of filing of the corresponding designated patent application or, if priority was claimed, the date of priority, is the earlier or earliest; or
(b) as between persons who have applied for or been granted a short-term patent for the invention, to the person in respect of whose application for a short-term patent the date of filing or, if priority was
claimed, the date of priority, is the earlier or earliest; or
(c) where one or more of the persons has applied for or been granted a standard patent and one or more of the persons has been granted a short-term patent, to the person in respect of whose application the date specified in paragraphs (a) and (b) (as may be appropriate) is the earlier or earliest,

but in the application of paragraphs (a) and (c) regard shall only be had to an application for a standard patent that has been published under this Ordinance. [cf. EPC Art. 60; 1992 No. 1 s. 16 Eire]

Putting validity in issue

(1) Subject to the following provisions of this section, the validity of a patent may be put in issue

(a) by way of defence, in proceedings for infringement of the patent under section 80 or, in the case of a standard patent, in proceedings under section 88 for infringement of rights conferred by the publication of an application;
(b) in proceedings under section 89;
(c) in proceedings in which a declaration in relation to the patent is sought under section 90;
(d) in proceedings before the court under section 91 for the revocation of the patent;
(e) in proceedings under section 72.
(2) The validity of a patent may not be put in issue in any other proceedings and, in particular, no proceedings may be instituted (whether under this Ordinance or otherwise) seeking only a declaration as to the validity or invalidity of a patent.
(3) The only grounds on which the validity of a patent may be put in issue (whether in proceedings for revocation under section 91 or otherwise) are the grounds on which the patent may be revoked under that section.
(4) No determination shall be made in any proceedings mentioned in subsection (1) on the validity of a patent which any person puts in issue on the ground mentioned in section 91(1)(b) unless
(a) it has been determined
(i) in entitlement proceedings commenced by that person; or
(ii) in the proceedings in which the validity of the patent is in issue,
that the patent should have been granted to him and not some other person; and
(b) except in the case at paragraph (a)(i)-
(i) the proceedings in which the validity of the patent is in issue are commenced before the end of 2 years beginning with the date of the grant of the patent; or
(ii) it is shown that any person registered as a proprietor of the patent knew at the time of the grant or of the transfer of the patent to him that he was not entitled to the patent.
(5) Where the validity of a patent is put in issue by way of defence or counterclaim the court shall, if it thinks it just to do so, give the defendant an opportunity to comply with the condition in subsection (4)(a).
(6) In subsection (4) "entitlement proceedings" (享有權法律程序), in relation to a patent, means a reference under section 55(1) on the ground that the patent was granted to a person not entitled to it or proceedings for a

declaration that it was so granted. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 74 U.K.]

PART XIII

GENERAL PROVISIONS AS TO AMENDMENT OF
PATENTS AND PATENT APPLICATIONS

(1) In any proceedings before the court in which the validity of a patent is put in issue the court may, subject to section 103, allow the proprietor of the patent to amend the specification of the patent in such manner, and subject to such terms as to advertising the proposed amendment and as to costs, expenses or otherwise, as the court thinks fit.
(2)
A person may give notice to the court of his opposition to an amendment proposed by the proprietor of the patent under this section, and if he does so the court shall notify the proprietor and consider the opposition in deciding whether the amendment or any amendment should be allowed.
(3)
An amendment of a specification of a patent under this section shall have effect and be deemed always to have had effect from the grant of the patent.

(4) Rules of court may provide for the notification of any application under this section to the Registrar and for

his appearance on the application and for giving effect to any order of the court on the application. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 75 U.K.]

(1) An application for a patent-

(a)
which is made in respect of matter disclosed in an earlier application, or in the specification of a patent which has been granted; and
(b)
which discloses additional matter, that is, matter extending beyond that disclosed in the earlier

application, as filed, or the application for the patent, as filed, may be filed under section 55(4), or as mentioned in section 22 or 116 (as may be appropriate), but shall be invalid to the extent that it extends the subject-matter disclosed in the application as filed.

(2)
Any amendment of an application for a standard patent filed under section 31 shall be invalid to the extent that it extends the subject-matter disclosed in the application as filed.
(3)
Any amendment of the specification of a patent filed under section 46(1) or 102, or of the specification of a standard patent filed under section 43 shall be invalid to the extent that it-
(a)
extends the subject-matter disclosed in the application as filed; or
(b)
extends the protection conferred by the patent. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 76 U.K.]

PART XIV

LANGUAGE OF PROCEEDINGS; AUTHENTIC TEXT

(1) An application for a patent must be filed in one of the official languages.

(2)
Except as otherwise provided in rules made for the purposes of this section, and notwithstanding section 5 of the Official Languages Ordinance (Cap 5), the official language in which an application for a patent is filed shall be used as the language of the proceedings in all proceedings before the Registrar concerning the application or the resulting patent.
(3)
Where a designated patent application in respect of an invention is in one of the official languages, nothing in this section shall be construed as requiring an application for a standard patent in respect of that invention to be filed in the same official language.
(4)
Rules may be made
(a)
requiring, in respect of any document filed or to be filed with the Registrar in proceedings under this Ordinance, the filing of a translation of the document into the language of the proceeding or into one or both official languages;
(b)
providing for the use by any person in oral proceedings before the Registrar, of a language other than the language of the proceedings;
(c)
in respect of documents to be used for the purpose of evidence in proceedings before the Registrar and which are in a language other than the language of the proceedings, providing for the filing of the document in that other language and the filing of a translation of the document into the language of the proceedings or into one of the official languages;
(d)
in respect of information provided or to be provided to the Registrar and which is to be entered in the register, requiring the provision of that information in both official languages;
(e)
specifying, in cases of entries which are made in the register in both official languages, which entry is to be authentic.
(5) Rules made for the purposes of subsection (4)(a) or (d)-
(a) may specify periods within which translations of documents into the language of the proceedings or into the official languages are to be filed or within which information in the official languages is to be provided;
(b) may provide for extensions, upon application by a party to the proceedings, of such periods, and may require that applications for such extension shall be subject to the payment of a penalty fee.

Except as provided in section 106, the text of a patent or an application for a patent in the language of the proceedings before the Registrar shall be the authentic text in any proceedings before the Registrar or a court. [cf. EPC Art. 70(1)]

(1) Subject to subsection (2), the text of the specification of a corresponding designated patent or corresponding designated patent application in the language of the proceedings before the designated patent office shall be the authentic text of the specification of the standard patent or standard patent application respectively for the purposes of any proceedings under this Ordinance relating to the standard patent or standard patent application before the Registrar or a court.

(2) If-

(a) the language of the proceedings before the designated patent office is other than one of the official languages; and
(b) the corresponding designated patent or designated patent application as translated into one of the official languages confers protection which is narrower than that conferred by it in the language of the proceedings before the designated patent office,

then a translation into one of the official languages of the specification of the corresponding designated patent or of the claims of the corresponding designated patent application shall be treated as the authentic text of the specification of the standard patent or of the claims of the standard patent application respectively for the purpose of any proceedings under this Ordinance, other than proceedings for the revocation of the patent.

(3) If any translation such as is mentioned in subsection (2) results in a designated patent or designated patent application conferring the narrower protection, the proprietor of or applicant for the standard patent may file a corrected translation with the Registrar and, if he pays the prescribed fee within the prescribed period, the Registrar shall publish it, but

(a) any payment for any use of the invention which (apart from section 69) would have infringed the patent as correctly translated, but not as originally translated, or in the case of an application would have infringed it as aforesaid if the patent had been granted, shall not be recoverable under that section;
(b) the proprietor or applicant shall not be entitled to bring proceedings in respect of an act which infringed the patent as correctly translated, but not as originally translated, or in the case of an application would have infringed it as aforesaid if the patent has been granted,

unless before that use or the doing of the act the corrected translation has been published by the Registrar or the proprietor or applicant has sent the corrected translation by post or delivered it to the public officer who made use or authorized the use of the invention or, as the case may be, to the person alleged to have done that act.

(4) Where a correction of a translation is published under subsection (3) and before it is so published a person begins in good faith to do an act which would not constitute an infringement of the patent or application as originally translated but would (apart from section 69) constitute an infringement of it under the amended translation, or makes in good faith effective and serious preparations to do such an act, he shall have the rights conferred by section 41(4) and (5), and section 41(6) shall apply accordingly.
(5) In this section "language of the proceedings before the designated patent office" (在指定專利當局進行的法律程序的語文 ), in relation to a corresponding designated patent or corresponding designated patent application, means the language in which proceedings relating to that patent or application are to be conducted before

the designated patent office.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 80 U.K.]

Section: 107 Amendment to patent or patent application to be in authentic text 30/06/1997

An amendment to the specification of a patent or to an application for a patent may only be made in the language of the authentic text of the patent or application.

Section: 108 Right to apply for a short-term patent 30/06/1997

PART XV

SHORT-TERM PATENTS
Right to short-term patent

(1)
An application for a short-term patent to be granted under section 118 may be made by any person either alone or jointly with another.
(2)
For the purposes of proceedings before the Registrar the applicant shall be deemed to be entitled to exercise the right to the short-term patent.
Section: 109 Non-prejudicial disclosure 30/06/1997

Patentability

For the purposes of section 94, a disclosure of the invention shall not be taken into consideration if it occurred no earlier than 6 months before the filing of the short-term patent application and if it was due to, or in consequence of-

(a)
an evident abuse in relation to the applicant or any proprietor of the invention for the time being; or
(b)
the fact that the applicant or his legal predecessor has displayed the invention at an official, or officially recognized, international exhibition falling within the terms of the Convention on International Exhibitions signed at Paris on 22 November 1928 as applying to Hong Kong,

but paragraph (b) shall apply only if the short-term patent application as filed contains a statement to the effect that the invention has been so displayed and contains written evidence in support of the statement complying with any prescribed conditions.

[cf. EPC Art. 55]

Section: 110 Priority right L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002

Priority

(1) A person who has filed-

(a) in or for any Paris Convention country or WTO member country, territory or area, an application for a patent or other protection in respect of an invention; or

(b)
in Hong Kong, an application for a short-term patent under this Part in respect of an invention, or his successors in title, shall enjoy, for the purpose of filing a subsequent application for a short-term patent under this Part in respect of the same invention, a right of priority for the period of 12 months after the date of filing of the first application, subject to compliance with any prescribed conditions.
(2)
For the purposes of subsection (1) as it applies in the case of a filing specified in paragraph (a) of that subsection-
(a)
every filing which in a Paris Convention country or WTO member country, territory or area is equivalent to a regular national filing under its domestic legislation or under bilateral or multilateral agreements shall be recognized as giving rise to a right of priority;
(b)
a subsequent application for a patent or other protection for the same subject-matter as a previous first
application and filed in or for the same Paris Convention country or WTO member country, territory or area shall be considered as the first application for the purposes of determining priority if, and only if, at the date of filing the subsequent application, the previous application has been withdrawn, abandoned or refused, without being open to public inspection and without leaving any rights outstanding, and has not served as a basis for claiming a right of priority;
(c) where pursuant to paragraph (b) a subsequent application for a patent or other protection is considered as a first application, the previous application may not thereafter serve as a basis for claiming a right of priority,

and in this subsection, "regular national filing" (正規國家提交) means any filing that establishes the date on which the application was filed, whatever may be the outcome of the application.

(3) For the purposes of subsection (1) as it applies in the case of a filing specified in paragraph (b) of that subsection-

(a) every regular filing of an application for a short-term patent under this Part shall be recognized as giving rise to a right of priority in relation to other applications under this Part;
(b) a subsequent application for a short-term patent under this Part for the same subject-matter as a previous first application for a short-term patent shall be considered as the first application for the purposes of determining priority if, and only if, at the date of filing the subsequent application, the previous application has been withdrawn, abandoned or refused, without being open to public inspection and without leaving any rights outstanding, and has not served as a basis for claiming a right of priority;
(c) where pursuant to paragraph (b) a subsequent application for a short-term patent is considered as a first application, the previous application for a short-term patent may not thereafter serve as a basis for claiming a right of priority,

and in this subsection "regular filing of an application for a short-term patent" (短期專利申請的正規提交) means any filing that establishes the date on which the application for the short-term patent was filed, whatever may be the outcome of the application.

(3A) A right of priority arising as a result of the filing in or for any Paris Convention country or WTO member country, territory or area of an application for a patent or other protection in respect of an invention, or an application for a short-term patent under this Part, may be assigned or otherwise transmitted, either with the application or independently; and the reference in subsection (1) to the person's "successors in title" shall be construed accordingly. (Added 2 of 2001 s. 8)

    1. (4) In this section, "application for a patent or other protection" (專利或其他保護的申請) means an application for a patent or for the registration of a utility model or for a utility certificate or for an inventor's certificate filed in or for any Paris Convention country or WTO member country, territory or area.
    2. [cf. EPC Art. 87; 1992 No. 1 s. 25 Eire]
  1. (1) An applicant for a short-term patent desiring to take advantage of the priority of a previous application shall file in the prescribed manner a statement of priority and a copy of the previous application.
  2. (2) Multiple priorities may be claimed in respect of a short-term patent application, notwithstanding the fact that they originated in different countries, and where appropriate, multiple priorities may be claimed for any one claim.
  3. (3) Where multiple priorities are claimed, time limits which run from the date of priority shall run from the earliest date of priority.
  4. (4) If one or more priorities are claimed in respect of a short-term patent application, the right of priority shall cover only those elements of the short-term patent application which are included in the application or applications whose priority is claimed.
  5. (5) If certain elements of the invention for which priority is claimed do not appear among the claims formulated in the previous application, priority may nonetheless be granted if the documents of the previous application as a whole specifically disclosed such elements.

(6) Where a statement of priority is filed in accordance with this section, the applicant shall for the purpose of

proceedings before the Registrar be deemed to be entitled to enjoy the right of priority shown in the statement. [cf. EPC Art. 88]

(1)
The right of priority shall have the effect that the date of priority of the previous application claimed under section 111 shall be regarded as being the date of priority of the short-term patent application for the purposes of section 94(2) and (3) as it applies to this Part.
(2)
Where a short-term patent application is filed and the priority of a previous application is claimed under section 111, then, notwithstanding anything contained in this Ordinance, the short-term patent application and any short-term patent granted in pursuance of it shall not be invalidated by reason only of the fact that any subject-matter disclosed in the previous application was made available to the public at any time after the date of filing of the previous application.

[cf. EPC Art. 89]

Applications

(1)
Every application for a short-term patent shall be signed by the applicant and be filed with the Registrar in the prescribed manner and shall contain-
(a)
a request for the grant of a short-term patent;
(b)
a specification which provides on the face of it for-
(i)
a description of the invention to which the application relates;
(ii)
one or more claims but not exceeding one independent claim;
(iii) any drawings referred to in the description or the claim or claims;
(c)
an abstract; and
(d)
a search report in relation to the invention.
(2) An application for a short-term patent-
(a)
shall state the name and address of the applicant;
(b)
shall identify the person or persons whom the applicant believes to be the inventor or inventors and shall specify the last known address of that person or persons;
(c)
where the applicant is not the sole inventor or the applicants are not the joint inventors, shall contain a statement indicating the derivation of his or their entitlement to exercise the right to the short-term patent; and
(d)
shall specify an address in Hong Kong for service of documents.
(3)
Every such application shall also comply with the requirements of this Ordinance as to the provision of information in, or the translation of documents into, one or both official languages.
(4) Rules may provide
(a)
that a short-term patent application shall or may contain a title of the invention and a designation of the classification of the invention;
(b)
for the manner in which the following matters shall or may be contained in a short-term patent application-
(i)
any statement in accordance with subsection (2) relating to the inventor or the derivation of the applicant's right to grant;
(ii)
any claim to the priority of an earlier patent application and supporting priority documents in accordance with section 111;
(iii) any request for deferral of the grant of a patent in accordance with section 119;
(iv)
any claim regarding non-prejudicial disclosure in accordance with section 109;
(v)
in relation to any invention which requires for its performance the use of a micro-organism, information concerning the availability to the public of samples of the micro-organism.
(5)
A filing fee and an advertisement fee shall be payable within 1 month after the earliest filing with the Registrar of any part of the application, and if either fee is not paid within that period or within such further period of grace as may have been allowed under subsection (6) the application shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(6)
Rules may provide for a period of grace within which a filing fee or advertisement fee that has not been paid within the time limit specified in subsection (5) may still be validly paid.

(7) The foregoing provisions shall not prevent any application being initiated by documents complying with section 114(2).

    1. (8) In this section "search report" (查檢報告) means a report-
      1. (a) by a prescribed searching authority of a search undertaken by that authority as to the prior art in relation to the invention, based on the claims and having due regard to the description and drawings (if any); and
      2. (b) which contains the prescribed information. [cf. 1992 No. 1 s. 18 Eire; EPC Art. 78]
    1. (1) The Registrar shall examine whether
      1. (a) the short-term patent application satisfies the requirements specified in subsection (2) for the accordance of a date of filing ("minimum requirements");
      2. (b) the prescribed filing fee and advertisement fee has been paid in due time.
Section: 114 Examination on filing 30/06/1997
(2) The date of filing of a short-term patent application shall be the earliest date on which documents filed by the applicant contain-
(a) an indication that a short-term patent is sought;
(b) information identifying the applicant;
(c) a part which on the face of it appears to be a description of an invention.
(3) If a date of filing cannot be accorded because of deficiencies as regards the minimum requirements, the Registrar shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct the deficiencies in accordance with the rules.

(4) If the deficiencies are not corrected within the time prescribed in the rules, the application shall not be dealt

with as an application for a short-term patent. [cf. EPC Art. 80 & 90]

Section: 115 Examination as to formal requirements 30/06/1997
(1) If a short-term patent application has been accorded a date of filing, and is not deemed to be withdrawn by virtue of section 113(5), the Registrar shall examine whether the requirements of section 113 and of any rules made for the purposes of that section (the "formal requirements") have been satisfied.
(2) Where the Registrar notes that there are deficiencies as regards the formal requirements which may be corrected, he shall give the applicant an opportunity to correct them in accordance with the rules.
(3) If-
(a) there are deficiencies as regards the formal requirements which cannot be corrected the application for a short-term patent shall be refused; or
(b) any deficiencies as regards the formal requirements noted in the examination under subsection (1) are not corrected in accordance with the rules, then except as provided in subsection (4), the application for a short-term patent shall be refused or, if no steps are taken to correct the deficiencies, shall be deemed to be withdrawn.
(4) If a deficiency relating solely to a claim to any right of priority is not duly corrected then such right shall be

lost for the application. [cf. EPC Art. 91]

Section: 116 Divisional short-term patent application L.N. 46 of 2001 01/04/2001

Where, after an application for a short-term patent has been filed and before the date under section 122 on which preparation for publication of the specification of the patent has been completed, a new application for a short-term patent is filed by the original applicant or his successor in title in accordance with the rules to be prescribed, being an application-(Amended 64 of 2000 s. 37)

(a) which is in respect of any part of the subject-matter contained in the earlier short-term patent application;
(b) which complies with the relevant requirements including procedures and time limits specified in the rules; and
(c) which does not contravene section 103,

then such new application shall be treated as having, as its date of filing, the date of filing of the earlier short-term application and shall have the benefit of any right of priority.

Section: 117 Formality examination only 30/06/1997

Except as expressly provided to the contrary, nothing in this Part providing for the examination by the Registrar of an application for a short-term patent for an invention shall be construed as imposing any obligation upon the Registrar to consider or to have regard to, for the purpose of such examination, any question as to-

(a)
the patentability of the invention;
(b)
whether the applicant is entitled to any priority claimed in the application;
(c)
whether the invention is properly disclosed in the application; or
(d)
any matter specified in section 45, 77, 78, 79, 93, 94, 96, 97, 100, 109, 110, 111(2) to (6) or 120(2).
Section: 118 Grant of short-term patent and publication L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

Procedure up to and including grant

(1)
If on examination by the Registrar under section 115(1) an application for a short-term patent is found to have satisfied the requirements of that provision, or if on a subsequent examination the deficiencies noted by the Registrar under section 115(2) are found to have been corrected in accordance with the rules, then as soon as practicable after such examination, but subject to sections 119 and 124, the Registrar shall grant a short-term patent for the invention.
(2) As soon as practicable after a short-term patent has been granted under this section the Registrar shall-
(a)
publish in the prescribed manner the specification of the short-term patent, the names of the proprietor and, if different, the inventor;
(b)
issue a certificate of grant; and
(c)
advertise the fact of such grant by notice in the official journal. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(3)
The Registrar may in any publication under subsection (2)(a) publish in addition to the matters specified in that subsection any other matters constituting or relating to the patent which in the Registrar's opinion it is desirable to publish.
(1)
Where in his application for a short-term patent an applicant has requested the Registrar to defer the grant of a patent for a period specified in the application, a short-term patent shall not be granted in that application until
(a) the expiry of that period, or of such shorter period as the applicant may subsequently specify by notice filed with the Registrar, after the date on which the requirements of section 115(1) are found to have been satisfied; or
(b)
12 months after the date of filing of the application, whichever occurs first.
(2)
Where a request has been made under this section for the deferral of a grant, any grant under section 118(1) shall be made by the Registrar as soon as possible after the expiry of the period of deferral applying by virtue of this section.
(1)
Subject to this section and sections 122 and 103, at any time before a patent is granted under this Part an applicant may, in accordance with the prescribed conditions, amend the application of his own volition.
(2)
Any amendment made under this section shall be invalid to the extent that it extends the subject-matter disclosed in the application as filed.
Section: 119 Deferral of grant of patent at applicant's request 30/06/1997
Section: 120 Amendment of application for short-term patent before grant 30/06/1997

(3) The Registrar may, without an application being made to him for the purpose, amend the specification and

abstract contained in an application for a short-term patent so as to acknowledge a registered trade mark. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 19 U.K.]

Section: 121 Withdrawal of application 30/06/1997
(1)
At any time before a short-term patent is granted the applicant may, subject to section 122, withdraw in writing his application and any such withdrawal may not be revoked.
(2)
Where a short-term patent application is withdrawn under this section, or is deemed under this Ordinance to have been withdrawn, or is refused under any provision of this Ordinance, the following provisions shall apply
(a)
the applicant shall continue to enjoy the right of priority under section 112 which he enjoyed immediately before such withdrawal or refusal;
(b)
no other right may be claimed under this Ordinance in relation to the application.
Section: 122 Limitation on withdrawal, amendment, etc. of application 30/06/1997

No withdrawal of an application under section 121, no divisional application under section 116 nor any amendment under section 120 shall be allowed after the date on which preparations for publication under section 118(2) of the specification of a short-term patent to be granted in pursuance of the application have been completed.

Section: 123 Further processing of, and restoration of rights in respect of, short-term patent applications 30/06/1997
(1)
Sections 28(1) and (2), 29(1) and (2) and 30 shall apply, subject to necessary modification, to an application for a short-term patent as if a reference in those sections to an application for a standard patent and to Part II were a reference to an application for a short-term patent and to this Part respectively.
(2)
Section 28 as applied by subsection (1) does not apply in the case of a deemed withdrawal of an application under section 113(5).
(3)
Section 29 as applied by subsection (1) does not apply in the case of a failure to comply with a time limit under section 113, 114 or 115.
The Registrar may refuse to grant a short-term patent for an invention if he considers that the invention is not a patentable invention by reason of any of the matters specified in section 93(5), and the Registrar shall give notice of any such refusal to the applicant.
(1)
Where an international application seeking a patent for a utility model and designating the People's Republic of China has entered its national phase in the People's Republic of China, the applicant in the international application may apply for a short-term patent for the invention (if any) disclosed in that application.
(2)
An application for a short-term patent made pursuant to this section may be filed at any time before a date 6 months after the entry into the national phase of the international application in the People's Republic of China, or such other date as may be prescribed by rules.
(3) An application for a short-term patent made pursuant to this section shall contain-
(a)
a photocopy of the international application as published by the International Bureau under Article 21 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty;
(b)
a photocopy of the international search report in relation to the international application as published under Article 21(3) of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (whether contained in the international application as published or separately published);
(c)
the date of entry of the international application into the national phase in the People's Republic of China;
(d)
a photocopy of the translation of the international application (if any) published by the State Intellectual Property Office; and (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 9)
(e)
a photocopy of any information that may be published by the State Intellectual Property Office concerning the international application. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 9)
(4) Section 113 applies in relation to an application for a short-term patent made pursuant to this section as if for subsection (1)(b) to (d) of that section there was substituted a reference to the documents specified in subsection (3)(a) to (e) of this section.
(5) Where an application made pursuant to this section results in the grant of a short-term patent, the application shall be deemed to have as its date of filing the international filing date accorded to the international application for the purposes of Article 11 of the Patent Cooperation Treaty and, in this Ordinance, reference to the date of filing of an application in relation to a short-term patent which has been granted pursuant to an application made as provided for in this section shall be construed accordingly.
(6) In this section, "State Intellectual Property Office" (國家知識產權局) means the State Intellectual Property Office established under the laws of the People's Republic of China the functions of which include the granting of patents for inventions. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 9)
Section: 124 Registrar may refuse to grant short-term patent 30/06/1997
Section: 125 Short-term patent application based on international application L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002

Provisions as to short-term patents after grant

(1) A short-term patent granted under this Part-

(a) shall take effect on the date on which the fact of its grant is advertised in the official journal; and (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(b) subject to subsection (2) and (3), shall remain in force until the end of the period of 8 years beginning with the date of filing the application for the patent.
(2) If it is desired to keep a short-term patent in force for a further 4 years after the expiry of the 4th year from the date of filing of the application for that patent, the prescribed renewal fee shall be paid within the 3 months ending with the expiry of that 4th year, and a short-term patent shall cease to have effect at the expiry of that 4th year if the renewal fee is not so paid.
(3) Despite subsection (2), where the date of grant of a short-term patent occurs after the expiry of the 4th year from the date of filing of the application for that patent then
(a) the prescribed renewal fee may be paid at any time before the expiry of 3 months beginning from the date of grant and in the event of such payment the patent shall remain in force for the balance of the period of 4 years specified in subsection (2);
(b) the patent shall cease to have effect under this section if, and only if, the prescribed renewal fee is not paid as provided in paragraph (a).
(4) The Registrar may by regulation amend the period specified in subsection (2) as being the period ending with the expiry of the 4th year from the date of filing of the short-term patent application.
(5) If within 6 months after the end of the period specified in subsection (2) or (3), as the case may be, the renewal fee and any prescribed additional fee is paid, the short-term patent shall be treated as if it had never expired, and accordingly
(a) anything done under or in relation to it during that further period shall be valid;
(b) an act which would constitute an infringement of it if it had not expired shall constitute such an infringement; and
(c) an act which would constitute Government use of the patented invention if the patent had not expired shall constitute that use.

(6) The Chief Executive in Council may by regulation amend- (Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

(a) the period specified in subsection (1)(b) as being the period for which a short-term patent shall remain in force;
(b) the period specified in subsection (2) or (3) by reference to which a short-term patent, if not renewed,

shall cease to have effect. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 25 U.K.]

Sections 40 and 41 shall apply to short-term patents, with necessary modification, as if reference in those sections to a standard patent and to section 39 were a reference to a short-term patent and to section 126 respectively.

Section: 128 Disclosure of invention by specification; availability of samples of micro-organisms 30/06/1997

Miscellaneous

(1) Provision may be made by rules prescribing the circumstances in which the specification of an application for a short-term patent, or of a short-term patent, for an invention which requires for its performance the use of a micro-organism is to be treated as disclosing the invention in a manner sufficiently clear and complete for the invention to be performed by a person skilled in the art.
(2) The rules may in particular require the applicant or proprietor
(a) to take such steps as may be prescribed for the purposes of making available to the public samples of the micro-organism; and
(b) not to impose or maintain restrictions on the uses to which such samples may be put, except as may be prescribed.
(3) The rules may provide that, in such cases as may be prescribed, samples need only be made available to such persons or descriptions of persons as may be prescribed; and the rules may identify a description of persons by reference to whether the Registrar has given his certificate as to any matter.

(4) An application for revocation of the short-term patent under section 91(1)(c) may be made if any of the

requirements of the rules cease to be complied with. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 125A U.K.]

Section: 129 Court proceedings in relation to short-term patents 30/06/1997
(1) In any proceedings before a court for the enforcement of rights conferred under this Ordinance in relation to a short-term patent-
(a) it is for the proprietor of the patent to establish the validity of the patent, and the fact that the patent has been granted under this Part shall be of no account in that regard;
(b) evidence by the proprietor which is sufficient to establish prima facie the validity of the patent shall in the absence of evidence to the contrary be sufficient proof of such validity.
(2) If in proceedings before the court under this Ordinance in relation to a short-term patent an order is made in interlocutory proceedings granting or refusing an application for an injunction under section 80(1)(a) or an order under section 80(1)(b), any party may apply to the court for an order that the matter proceed to early trial and, subject to compliance by that party with rules of court, the court shall so order unless it considers that the interests of justice would not be served by the making of such an order.

(3) A court making an order for an early trial under subsection (2)-

(a) may also make such order as respects the period before trial as the justice of the case requires;
(b) shall by the order determine the mode of trial.
Section: 130 Appeal from Registrar 30/06/1997

PART XVI

MISCELLANEOUS

  1. (1) Except as otherwise expressly provided by rules, an appeal to the court shall lie from any decision or order of the Registrar under this Ordinance, and for the purposes of this provision "decision" (決定) includes any act of the Registrar in exercise of a discretion vested in him by or under this Ordinance.
    1. (2) Any appeal under this Ordinance which concerns a patent application which has not been published shall be heard in private.
        1. (3) In any appeal under this Ordinance-
          1. (a) the Registrar shall be entitled to appear or be represented and be heard in support of his decision or order;
          2. (b) the Registrar shall appear if so directed by the court.
      1. (4) In any appeal under this Ordinance the court may exercise any power which could have been exercised by

the Registrar in proceedings from which the appeal is brought.

Section: 131 Registrar's appearance in proceedings involving register 30/06/1997
(1)
In any proceedings before the court involving an application for the alteration or rectification of the register, the Registrar shall be entitled to appear or be represented and be heard, and shall appear if so directed by the court.
(2)
Unless otherwise directed by the court, the Registrar may instead of appearing submit to the court a statement in writing signed by him, giving particulars of-
(a)
any proceedings before him in relation to the matter in issue;
(b)
the grounds of any decision given by him affecting it;
(c)
the practice of the registry in like cases; or
(d)
such matters relevant to the issues and within his knowledge as Registrar as he thinks fit, and the statement shall be deemed to form part of the evidence in the proceedings.
(1)
The court may, for the purpose of determining any question in the exercise of its original or appellate jurisdiction under this Ordinance, make any order or exercise any other power which the Registrar could have made or exercised for the purpose of determining that question.
(2) Every order of the court shall be subject to appeal to the Court of Appeal. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 99 U.K.]
(1)
Where under this Ordinance an applicant has an option to make an application either to the court or to the Registrar
(a)
if an action concerning the patent or application for a patent in question is pending, the application must be made to the court;
(b)
if in any other case the application is made to the Registrar, the Registrar may, at any stage of the proceedings, refer the application to the court, or he may, after hearing the parties, determine the question between them, subject to appeal to the court.
(2)
Subsection (1) is without prejudice to the court's powers, apart from this section, to determine any question referred to in that subsection.
Section: 132 General powers of the court 30/06/1997
Section: 133 Procedure in case of option to apply to court or Registrar 30/06/1997

(3) Reference in subsection (1) to an option to make an application either to the court or to the Registrar

includes reference to an option to refer a question either to the court or to the Registrar. [cf. Trade Marks Ord. s. 80]

Section: 134 Burden of proof in certain cases 30/06/1997
(1)
If the invention for which a patent is granted is a process for obtaining a new product, the same product produced by a person other than the proprietor of the patent or a licensee of his shall, unless the contrary is proved, be taken in any proceedings to have been obtained by that process.
(2)
In considering whether a party has discharged the burden imposed upon him by this section, the court shall not require him to disclose any manufacturing or commercial secrets if it appears to the court that it would be unreasonable to do so.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 100 U.K.]

Section: 135 Exercise of Registrar's discretionary powers 30/06/1997

Without prejudice to any rule of law, the Registrar shall give any party to a proceeding before him an opportunity of being heard before exercising adversely to that party any discretion vested in the Registrar by this Ordinance or by the rules.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 101 U.K.]

Section: 136 Costs and expenses in proceedings before court L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002
(1)
Subject to subsection (2), in all proceedings before the court under this Ordinance the court may award to any party such costs as it may consider reasonable. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 10)
(2)
In proceedings before the court under section 58 the court shall, in determining whether to award costs or expenses to any party and what costs or expenses to award, have regard to all the relevant circumstances, including the financial position of the parties.
(3)
If in any such proceedings the court directs that any costs of one party shall be paid by another party, the court may settle the amount of the costs by fixing a lump sum or may direct that the costs shall be taxed on a scale specified by the court, being a scale of costs prescribed by rules of court.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 106 U.K.]
(1)
The Registrar may, in proceedings before him under this Ordinance, by order award to any party such costs as he may consider reasonable and direct how and by what parties they are to be paid.
(2)
Any costs awarded under this section shall, if the court so orders, be recoverable by execution issued from the court as if they were payable under an order of that court.
(3)
Rules may empower the Registrar, in such cases as may be prescribed, to require a party to proceedings before him to give security for costs, in relation to those proceedings or to proceedings on appeal, and may provide for the consequences if security is not given.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 107 U.K.]
(1)
Any order for the grant of a licence under section 14, 56, 64 or 65 shall, without prejudice to any other method of enforcement, have effect as if it were a deed, executed by the proprietor of the standard patent and all other necessary parties, granting a licence in accordance with the order. (Amended 21 of 2007 s. 6)
(2)
Without prejudice to any other method of enforcement, any import compulsory licence or export compulsory licence granted under section 72C or 72M (as the case may be) has effect as if it were a deed, executed by the proprietor of the standard patent or the short-term patent (as the case may be) and all other necessary parties. (Added 21 of 2007 s. 6)
Section: 137 Costs and expenses in proceedings before Registrar 30/06/1997
Section: 138 Licences granted by order of the court or Registrar or by Director of Health* L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 108 U.K.]

* (Amended 21 of 2007 s. 6)

Section: 139 Immunity of Registrar as regards official acts 30/06/1997

Neither the Registrar nor any officer of his-

(a)
shall be taken to warrant the validity of any patent granted under this Ordinance; or
(b)
shall incur any liability by reason of or in connection with any examination or investigation required or authorized by this Ordinance, or any report or other proceedings consequent on any such examination or investigation.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 116 U.K.]

Section: 139A Protection of Government and public officers L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(1) No liability shall rest on the Government or any public officer by reason of the fact that

(a)
any authority is given under section 69; or
(b)
any import compulsory licence or export compulsory licence is granted under section 72C or 72M (as the case may be).

(2) A public officer is not personally liable in respect of any act or omission of his if it was done or made by him in the honest belief that it was required or authorized in the exercise of any function, duty or power of his under

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

Part IX, IXA or IXB (as the case may be).

(3) The protection conferred on public officers by subsection (2) in respect of any act or omission does not

affect any liability of the Government in tort for that act or omission. (Added 21 of 2007 s. 7)

Section: 140 Recognition of agents 30/06/1997
(1) Subject to this section and to the rules, where under this Ordinance any act has to be done by or to any person in connection with a patent or any procedure relating to a patent or the obtaining of a patent, the act may be done by or to an agent of such person duly authorized by that person orally or in writing.
(2) A person duly authorized by another person under subsection (1) to act as his agent may (subject to any provision to the contrary in any agreement between the agent and that person), on giving notice to the Registrar and the other person, cease to act as agent for the other person.
(3) Rules may authorize the Registrar to refuse to recognize as agent in respect of any business under this Ordinance any person specified for the purpose in the rules.
(4) The Registrar shall refuse to recognize as an agent a person who neither resides nor has a place of business in Hong Kong.
Section: 141 Falsification of register, etc. 30/06/1997

PART XVII

OFFENCES

A person who-

(a) makes or causes to be made a false entry in any register kept under this Ordinance, knowing the entry to be false; or
(b) makes or causes to be made a writing falsely purporting to be a copy or reproduction of an entry in any register kept under this Ordinance, or produces or tenders or causes to be produced or tendered in evidence any such writing, knowing the writing to be false,

commits an offence and is liable-

(i) on summary conviction, to a fine at level 5 and to imprisonment for 6 months;
(ii) on conviction on indictment, to imprisonment for 2 years. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 109 U.K.]
Section: 142 Unauthorized claim of patent rights 30/06/1997
(1) Subject to this section, a person who falsely represents that anything disposed of by him for value is a patented product commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 3.
(2) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person who for value disposes of an article having stamped, engraved or impressed on it or otherwise applied to it the word "patent" or "patented" or "專利" or "享有專利" or anything expressing or implying that the article is a patented product, shall be taken to represent that the article is a patented product.
(3) Subsection (1) does not apply where the representation is made in respect of a product after the patent for that product or, as the case may be, the process in question has expired or been revoked and before the end of a period which is reasonably sufficient to enable the accused to take steps to ensure that the representation is not made (or does not continue to be made).

(4) In proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he used

due diligence to prevent the commission of the offence. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 110 U.K.]

Section: 143 Unauthorized claim that patent has been applied for 30/06/1997

(1) Subject to this section, a person who represents that a patent has been applied for in respect of any article

disposed of for value by him when in fact-

(a) no such application for a patent has been made; or

(b) any such application has been withdrawn or deemed withdrawn, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 3.
(2) Subsection (1)(b) does not apply where the representation is made (or continues to be made) before the expiry of a period which begins with the withdrawal or deemed withdrawal and which is reasonably sufficient to enable the accused to take steps to ensure that the representation is not made (or does not continue to be made).
(3) For the purposes of subsection (1), a person who for value disposes of an article having stamped, engraved or impressed on it or otherwise applied to it the words "patent applied for" or "patent pending" or "已申請專利" or "專利申請待決", or anything expressing or implying that an application has been made for a patent in respect of the article, shall be taken to represent that an application for such a patent has been made.

(4) In any proceedings for an offence under this section it shall be a defence for the accused to prove that he

used due diligence to prevent the commission of such an offence. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 111 U.K.]

Section: 144 Misuse of title "Patents Registry" 30/06/1997

A person who uses on his place of business, or any document issued by him, or otherwise, the words "Patents Registry" or "專利註冊處" or any other words suggesting that his place of business is, or is officially connected with, the Patents Registry, commits an offence and is liable on summary conviction to a fine at level 4.

[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 112 U.K.]

Section: 145 Offences by corporations or partners 30/06/1997
(1) Where an offense under this Ordinance committed by a body corporate is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, a director, manager, secretary or other similar officer of the body, or a person purporting to act in any such capacity, he as well as the body corporate is guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(2) The following provisions apply for the purposes of proceedings for an offence under this Ordinance alleged to have been committed by a body corporate-
(a) any rules of court relating to the service of documents;
(b) section 19A (plea by a corporation before a magistrate) and section 87 (procedure on charge of indictable offence against corporation) of the Magistrates Ordinance (Cap 227).
(3) Where the affairs of a body corporate are managed by its members, subsection (1) shall apply in relation to the acts and defaults of a member in connection with his functions of management as if he were a director of the body corporate.
(4) Where a partnership is guilty of an offence under this Ordinance, every partner, other than a partner who is proved to have been ignorant of or to have attempted to prevent the commission of the offence, is also guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
(5) Without prejudice to any liability of the partners under subsection (4), proceedings for an offence under this Ordinance alleged to have been committed by a partnership shall be brought against the partnership in the name of the firm and not in that of the partners.
(6) A fine imposed on a partnership on its conviction in such proceedings shall be paid out of the partnership assets.
(7) Where an offence under this Ordinance committed by a partner in a firm is proved to have been committed with the consent or connivance of, or to be attributable to any neglect on the part of, any other partner in the firm or any person concerned in the management of the firm, that partner or the person concerned in the management of the firm is also guilty of the offence and liable to be proceeded against and punished accordingly.
Section: 146 Correction of errors in patents and applications 30/06/1997

PART XVIII

ADMINISTRATIVE PROVISIONS

(1) The Registrar may, subject to the rules, correct any error of translation or transcription, clerical error or mistake in any specification of a patent or application for a patent or any document filed in connection with a patent or such an application.

(2) Where the Registrar is requested to correct such an error or mistake any person may in accordance with the

rules give the Registrar notice of opposition to the request and the Registrar shall determine the matter. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 117 U.K.]

Section: 147 Information about patent applications and patents, and inspection of documents 30/06/1997
(1)
After publication of an application for a standard patent in accordance with section 20 or the grant of a short-term patent the Registrar shall upon the filing of a written request in the prescribed manner give the person making the request such information, and permit him to inspect such documents, relating to the application or any patent granted in pursuance of the application or to the short-term patent as may be specified in the request, subject, however, to any prescribed restrictions.
(2)
Subject to this section, until an application for a standard patent is so published or a short-term patent is granted documents or information constituting or relating to the application for the standard patent or the short-term patent shall not, without the consent of the proprietor or the applicant (as the case may be), be published or communicated to any person by the Registrar.
(3)
Subsection (2) shall not prevent the Registrar from publishing or communicating to others any prescribed bibliographic information about an unpublished application for a standard patent or an application for a short-term patent.
(4)
Where a person is notified that an application for a standard patent has been made, but not published in accordance with section 20, and that the applicant will, if the patent is granted, bring proceedings against that person in the event of his doing an act specified in the notification after the application is so published, that person may make a request under subsection (1), notwithstanding that the application has not been published, and that subsection shall apply accordingly.
(5)
Where a person is notified that an application for a short-term patent has been made and that the applicant will, if the patent is granted, bring proceedings against that person in the event of his doing an act specified in the notification, that person may make a request under subsection (1) and that subsection shall apply accordingly.
(6)
Where an application for a standard patent is filed, but not published, and a new application for a standard patent is filed in respect of any part of the subject-matter of the earlier application (either in accordance with the rules or in pursuance of an order under section 13) and is published, any person may make a request under subsection (1) in the prescribed manner relating to the earlier application and the Registrar shall give him such information and permit him to inspect such documents as could have been given or inspected if the earlier application had been published.
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 118 U.K.]
(1)
The Registrar may, by notice published in the official journal, give directions specifying the hours of business of the registry for the purpose of the transaction by the public of business under this Ordinance, and the days which are business days for that purpose. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(2)
Business done on any day after the specified hours of business, or on a day which is not a business day, shall be deemed to have been done on the next business day; and where the time for doing anything under this Ordinance expires on a day which is not a business day, that time shall be extended to the next business day.
(3)
Directions made under this section may make different provision for different classes of business.
(1)
The Registrar may make rules
(a) for the purposes of any provision of this Ordinance authorizing the making of rules (other than rules of court) with respect to any matter; and
(b)
for prescribing anything authorized or required by an provision of this Ordinance to be prescribed, and generally for regulating practice and procedure under this Ordinance.
(2)
Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), rules may make provision
(a)
in connection with applications for patents and other documents which may be filed with the Registrar-
(i)
prescribing the form and contents of any such documents;
(ii)
requiring copies of such documents to be furnished;
(iii) prescribing the manner of filing of such documents;
(b)
regulating the procedure to be followed in connection with any proceeding or other matter before the Registrar or in the registry and authorizing the rectification of irregularities of procedure;
(c)
requiring fees to be paid in connection with any such proceeding or matter or in connection with the provision of any service by the registry and providing for the remission of fees in the prescribed circumstances;
(d)
regulating the mode of giving evidence in any such proceeding and empowering the Registrar to compel the attendance of witnesses and the discovery of and production of documents;
(e)
requiring the Registrar to advertise any proposed amendments of patents and any other prescribed matters, including any prescribed steps in any such proceeding;
(f)
providing for the appointment of advisers to assist the Registrar in any proceedings before him;
(g)
prescribing time limits for doing anything required to be done in connection with any such proceeding by this Ordinance or the rules and providing for the alteration of any period of time specified in this Ordinance or the rules;
(h)
giving effect to the right of an inventor of an invention to be mentioned in an application for a patent for the invention;
(i)
without prejudice to any other provision of this Ordinance, requiring and regulating the translation of documents in connection with a patent or an application for a patent into the language of the proceedings or into one or both official languages and the filing and verification of any such translations;
(j)
providing for the publication and sale of documents by the registry and of information about such documents;
(k)
prescribing opposition or revocation proceedings in designated patent offices for the purposes of sections 43 and 44.
(3)
Rules may make different provision for different cases.
(4)
Rules made under this section
(a) authorizing the rectification of irregularities of procedure; or
(b)
providing for the alteration of any period of time, may authorize the extension or further extension of any period of time notwithstanding that the period has already expired.
(5)
Rules prescribing fees, including any penalty fee under section 104(5)(b), shall not be made except with the consent of the Financial Secretary.
(6) Any rules made under subsection (2)(c) may (a) prescribe fees fixed at; or
(b)
provide for fees to be fixed at, levels that provide for the recovery of expenditure incurred or likely to be incurred by the Government or other authority in the exercise of any or all functions under this Ordinance, and shall not be limited by reference to the amount of administrative or other costs incurred or likely to be incurred in the exercise of any particular function.
(7)
Rules may provide for arrangements to be made by the Registrar for the publication of reports of cases relating to patents decided by the Registrar and of cases relating to patents (whether under this Ordinance or otherwise) decided by any court or body (whether in Hong Kong or elsewhere).
[cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 123 U.K.]
(1)
The Registrar may require the use of such forms as he may, by notice published in the official journal, specify in connection with the granting of a patent or any other proceeding before him under this Ordinance. (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 14)
(2)
A notice under subsection (1) may contain any direction of the Registrar with respect to the use of a form specified in the notice.
Section: 148 Hours of business and excluded days L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
Section: 149 Rules 30/06/1997

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

(3) A notice published under subsection (1) shall not be regarded as subsidiary legislation for the purpose of

section 34 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap 1). (Added 2 of 2001 s. 11)

Section: 150A Power to specify official journal, etc. L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
(1)
The Registrar may from time to time, by notice published in the Gazette, specify a publication to be the official journal of record for the purposes of this Ordinance, with effect as of the date specified in the notice.
(2)
Where a publication is specified under subsection (1), every notice, request, document or other matter required by this Ordinance or the rules to be published in the official journal shall, from the effective date specified in the notice, be published in the publication so specified, and any reference in this Ordinance or the rules to the official journal shall be construed accordingly.
(3)
The Registrar may publish or cause to be published a journal in which there may be published such documents and information relating to a patent or an application for a patent as the Registrar thinks fit.
(4)
For the avoidance of doubt, the Registrar may specify the Gazette or the journal referred to in subsection (3) to be the official journal of record.
(5)
A publication specified under subsection (1) and the journal referred to in subsection (3) need not be in a documentary form.

(6) A notice published under subsection (1) shall not be regarded as subsidiary legislation for the purpose of

section 34 of the Interpretation and General Clauses Ordinance (Cap 1). (Added 2 of 2001 s. 12)

Section: 151 Application* 2 of 2009 08/05/2009

Subject to the provisions of this Ordinance, and notwithstanding section 5(3) of the Crown Proceedings Ordinance (Cap 300), this Ordinance applies to the Government and the Offices set up by the Central Peoples Government in the Hong Kong Special Administrative Region.

(Amended 2 of 2009 s. 6) [cf. Registration of Patents Ord. s. 7A]

Note:

* (Replaced 2 of 2009 s. 6)

Section: 152 Forfeited articles 30/06/1997

Nothing in this Ordinance affects the right of the Government or any person deriving title directly or indirectly from the Government to dispose of or use articles forfeited under the law relating to customs or excise. [cf. 1977 c. 37 s. 122 U.K.]

Section: 153 Amendment of Schedule 1 L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002

The Chief Executive in Council may by order published in the Gazette- (Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

(a)
add to Schedule 1 the name of-
(i)
any country which has acceded to the Paris Convention;
(ii)
any country, territory or area which has acceded to the World Trade Organisation Agreement;
(b)
delete from the Schedule 1 the name of-
(i)
any country which has denounced the Paris Convention;
(ii)
any country, territory or area which has denounced the World Trade Organisation Agreement; and (Amended 2 of 2001 s. 13)
(c)
otherwise amend Schedule 1. (Added 2 of 2001 s. 13)
Section: 154 Repeal 30/06/1997

PART XIX

REPEALS AND TRANSITIONAL ARRANGEMENTS

(1)
The Registration of Patents Ordinance (Cap 42) is repealed.
(2)
The repeal effected by subsection (1) is subject to the following provisions of this Part.
Section: 155 Validity of instruments made or things done under the repealed Ordinance 30/06/1997

Insofar as any instrument made or other thing done at any time under any provision of the repealed Ordinance could have been made or done under a corresponding provision of this Ordinance it shall not be invalidated by the repeals made by this Ordinance but shall have effect as if made or done under that corresponding provision.

Section: 156 Use of patented inventions for service of the Crown 30/06/1997

Expanded Cross Reference:
69, 70, 71, 72

(1)
Section 7G of the repealed Ordinance (which deals with the question of acts done by the Government as constituting the use of an invention for the services of the Crown, and payment falling to be made in respect of any such use) as it applied immediately before the commencement date shall continue in force.
(2)
For ease of reference, section 7G of the repealed Ordinance as applying for the purposes of subsection (1) is set out in Schedule 2.
(3)
Where a patent for an invention has been granted under this Ordinance pursuant to this Part to the proprietor of an existing registered patent for that invention, or to the applicant of a pending application for registration of a patent for that invention under the repealed Ordinance, sections 69 to 72 shall apply to Government use of such invention during any period of extreme urgency declared under section 68, subject to any necessary modifications. <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 69, 70, 71, 72 *>
Expanded Cross Reference:
73, 74, 75, 82, 83, 84, 85, 86, 87
(1)
Any question whether an act done before the commencement date infringes an existing registered patent shall be determined in accordance with the law relating to infringement in force immediately before the commencement date, and sections 6 and 7 of the repealed Ordinance shall apply accordingly.
Section: 157 Infringement 30/06/1997

(2) Subject to subsection (3) and to necessary modification-

(a)
sections 73 to 75, 80, 81, 85 to 87, 89 and 90 shall apply to any act done on or after the commencement date which infringes an existing registered patent; and <* Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 73, 74, 75, 85, 86, 87 *>
(b)
sections 82 to 84 shall apply to any such act which infringes an existing registered 1977 Act patent, <*

Note-Exp. x-Ref: Sections 82, 83, 84 *> as those sections apply to infringements of a patent granted under this Ordinance.

(3) Where an act is commenced before the commencement date and continues to be done on or after that date then if that act would not, under the law in force immediately before that day, amount to an infringement of an existing registered patent for an invention it shall not amount to an infringement of any patent for that invention which may be granted under this Ordinance pursuant to this Part.

Section: 158 Rules providing for transitional arrangements 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

Remarks:
Amendments retroactively made -see 22 of 1999 s. 3

(1) The Chief Executive in Council may, subject to the approval of the Legislative Council, make rules

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

providing for the application of this Ordinance and the continued application of the repealed Ordinance to- (Amended 22 of 1999 s. 3)

(a) existing registered patents;
(b) pending applications for registration of a patent under the repealed Ordinance, and patents registered pursuant to such applications;
(c) existing 1949 Act or 1977 Act patents;
(d) published applications for 1977 Act patents and patents granted after the commencement date pursuant to such applications;
(e) existing applications for 1949 Act patents and patents granted after the commencement date pursuant to such applications.
(2) Without prejudice to the generality of subsection (1), rules made under that subsection may provide for
(a) existing registered patents to be treated as standard patents granted under this Ordinance;
(b) the registration of patents under the repealed Ordinance pursuant to pending applications for such registration, and for patents so registered to be treated as existing registered patents;
(c) the grant of a standard patent to the proprietor of an existing 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent;
(d) an application for a standard patent by the applicant of a published application for a 1977 Act patent, and the grant of a standard patent to the proprietor of a patent granted pursuant to such an application after the commencement date;
(e) the grant of a standard patent to the proprietor of a 1949 Act patent granted after the commencement date pursuant to an existing application for the 1949 Act patent.
(3) Rules made under subsection (1) may further provide
(a) for time limits for making any application for a patent pursuant to rules made under this Part;
(b) for the application of this Ordinance to any patent or application for a patent provided for in this Part or in rules made under this Part;
(c) subject to any rules that may be made under paragraph (d), that no amendment or revocation of an existing registered patent in the United Kingdom taking effect on or after the commencement date shall have any effect for the purposes of any patent granted under this Ordinance pursuant to this Part, notwithstanding that such amendment or revocation may have effect in the United Kingdom as from a date prior to the commencement date;
(d) for the amendment or revocation of a standard patent for an invention granted under this Ordinance pursuant to this Part following the amendment or revocation in the United Kingdom of a 1949 Act patent for that invention;
(e) for modifications to this Ordinance as it is applied for the purpose of any provision of this Part;
(f) for the resolution of questions of priority as between
(i) 1949 Act patents and patent applications;
(ii) 1977 Act patents and patent applications; and
(iii) patents and patent applications under this Ordinance;
(g) for the transfer to the register kept under this Ordinance of details of patents registered under the repealed Ordinance before the commencement date, and for matters connected with the keeping of the register in relation to such details, and in that connection rules may provide for
(i) rectification of the register in relation to such details;
(ii) application by any person for the inclusion in the register of such details;
(h) for the amendment by the Registrar by notice published in the Gazette of any time limit specified in, or any Schedule to, such rules.
(1) In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires-

"1949 Act" (1949年法令》) means the Patents Act 1949 (1949 c. 87 U.K.), and "1949 Act patent" (1949年法令專利) means a patent granted under that Act or under the 1977 Act pursuant to an application under the 1949 Act;

"1977 Act" (1977年法令》) means the Patents Act 1977 (1977 c. 37 U.K.), and "1977 Act patent" (1977年法令專利) means a patent granted under that Act pursuant to an application made before the commencement date and means also a European patent (UK) that has effect in the United Kingdom pursuant to section 77 of the 1977 Act;

"commencement date" (生效日期) means the date appointed under section 1(2) as being the date on which this Ordinance comes into operation;

"European patent (UK)" (歐洲專利(聯合王國)) means a patent granted under the Convention on the Grant of European Patents (European Patent Convention) and designating the United Kingdom;

"existing 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent" (現有的1949法令或1977年法令專利) means a 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent-

(a) granted before the commencement date and capable as at that date of registration under the repealed Ordinance; and

(b) for which as at the commencement date no valid application for registration under the repealed Ordinance had been made; "existing application for a 1949 Act patent" (1949年法令專利的現有申請) means an application for a patent made

under the 1949 Act, in respect of which as at the commencement date a patent had not been granted; "existing registered patent" (現有註冊專利) means a 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent which-

(a) was registered under the repealed Ordinance before the commencement date; and
(b) at the commencement date-
(i) was still in force in the United Kingdom;
(ii) had ceased to have effect in the United Kingdom, but subsequently is treated for the purposes of the 1977 Act as having never expired; or

(iii) had ceased to have effect in the United Kingdom but subsequently is restored by an order made under the 1977 Act;

"pending application for registration of a patent under the repealed Ordinance" (待決的將專利根據已廢除條例註冊的申請) means an application made before the commencement date for registration of a 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent under section 3 of the repealed Ordinance, but not as at that date registered under the repealed Ordinance;

"published application for a 1977 Act patent" (已發表的1977年法令專利的申請) means an application for a patent-

(a) pursuant to which there could be granted a 1977 Act patent; and

(b) published before the commencement date, and in the case of an international application reference in paragraph (b) to publication shall be read as a reference to such publication of the application by a designated patent office as serves to indicate that the international application has validly entered its national phase;

"the repealed Ordinance" (已廢除條例) means the Registration of Patents Ordinance (Cap 42).

(2) In this Part, unless the context otherwise requires-

(a) a reference to the registration of a patent under the repealed Ordinance is a reference to the issue of a certificate of registration under section 5 of that Ordinance in respect of that patent;
(b) a reference to the repealed Ordinance is a reference to that Ordinance as it applied immediately before the commencement date;
(c) a reference to a patent granted under this Ordinance pursuant to this Part includes a reference to a patent treated as so granted.
Section: 160 (Omitted as spent) 30/06/1997

(Omitted as spent)

Section: 161 (Omitted as spent) 30/06/1997

(Omitted as spent)

Section: 162 (Omitted as spent) 30/06/1997

(Omitted as spent)

Cap 514 - PATENTS ORDINANCE

(Omitted as spent)

[sections 2 & 153]

Paris Convention countries

The following are specified for the purposes of the definition of "Paris Convention country" in section 2(1) as countries which have acceded to the Paris Convention-

The Republic of Albania The Democratic People's Republic of Algeria The Principality of Andorra The Republic of Angola Antigua and Barbuda Republic of Argentina The Republic of Armenia The Commonwealth of Australia The Republic of Austria The Republic of Azerbaijan The Commonwealth of The Bahamas The Kingdom of Bahrain The People's Republic of Bangladesh Barbados The Republic of Belarus The Kingdom of Belgium Belize The Republic of Benin The Kingdom of Bhutan The Republic of Bolivia Bosnia and Herzegovina The Republic of Botswana The Federative Republic of Brazil The Republic of Bulgaria The Burkina Faso The Republic of Burundi Kingdom of Cambodia The Republic of Cameroon Canada The Central African Republic The Republic of Chad Republic of Chile The People's Republic of China The Republic of Colombia Union of the Comoros The Democratic Republic of Congo The Republic of Congo The Republic of Costa Rica The Republic of Cote d'Ivoire The Republic of Croatia The Republic of Cuba The Republic of Cyprus The Czech Republic The Kingdom of Denmark The Republic of Djibouti The Commonwealth of Dominica The Dominican Republic The Republic of Ecuador The Arab Republic of Egypt The Republic of El Salvador The Republic of Equatorial Guinea Republic of Estonia The Republic of Finland The Republic of France The Gabonese Republic The Republic of the Gambia Georgia The Federal Republic of Germany The Republic of Ghana Grenada The Republic of Guatemala The Republic of Guinea The Republic of Guinea-Bissau The Cooperative Republic of Guyana The Republic of Haiti The Hellenic Republic (Greece) Holy See The Republic of Honduras The Republic of Hungary The Republic of Iceland The Republic of India The Republic of Indonesia The Islamic Republic of Iran The Republic of Iraq Ireland The State of Israel The Republic of Italy Jamaica Japan The Hashemite Kingdom of Jordan The Republic of Kazakhstan The Republic of Kenya The Democratic People's Republic of Korea Republic of Korea Kyrghyz Republic The Lao People's Democratic Republic Republic of Latvia The Republic of Lebanon The Kingdom of Lesotho The Republic of Liberia The Great Socialist People's Libyan Arab Jamahiriya The Principality of Liechtenstein The Republic of Lithuania The Grand Duchy of Luxembourg The Republic of Macedonia The Republic of Madagascar The Republic of Malawi Malaysia The Republic of Mali Malta The Islamic Republic of Mauritania The Republic of Mauritius The Republic of Moldova The Principality of Monaco Mongolia Montenegro The Kingdom of Morocco The Republic of Mozambique The Republic of Namibia The Federal Democratic Republic of Nepal The Kingdom of the Netherlands New Zealand The Republic of Nicaragua The Republic of Niger The Federal Republic of Nigeria The Kingdom of Norway The Sultanate of Oman The Islamic Republic of Pakistan The Republic of Panama The Independent State of Papua New Guinea Republic of Paraguay The Republic of Peru Republic of the Philippines The Republic of Poland The Portuguese Republic The State of Qatar Romania The Russian Federation The Republic of Rwanda The Federation of Saint Kitts and Nevis Saint Lucia Saint Vincent and the Grenadines The Republic of San Marino The Democratic Republic of Sao Tome and Principe The Kingdom of Saudi Arabia The Republic of Senegal The Republic of Serbia The Republic of Seychelles The Republic of Sierra Leone The Republic of Singapore The Slovak Republic The Republic of Slovenia The Republic of South Africa The Kingdom of Spain The Democratic Socialist Republic of Sri Lanka The Republic of the Sudan The Republic of Suriname The Kingdom of Swaziland The Kingdom of Sweden Swiss Confederation The Syrian Arab Republic The Republic of Tajikistan The Kingdom of Thailand The Republic of Togo The Kingdom of Tonga The Republic of Trinidad and Tobago The Republic of Tunisia The Republic of Turkey Turkmenistan The Republic of Uganda Ukraine The United Arab Emirates The United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland The United Republic of Tanzania The United States of America The United States of Mexico Oriental Republic of Uruguay The Republic of Uzbekistan The Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela The Socialist Republic of Viet Nam The Republic of Yemen The Republic of Zambia The Republic of Zimbabwe

WTO member countries, territories and areas (not including Paris Convention countries)

The following are specified as being countries, territories or areas which have acceded to the World Trade Organisation Agreement-

Negara Brunei Darussalam

The Republic of Cape Verde

European Community

The Republic of The Fiji Islands

The State of Kuwait

The Macao Special Administrative Region

The Republic of Maldives

The Union of Myanmar

Separate Customs Territory of Taiwan, Penghu, Kinmen and Matsu

The Solomon Islands (Amended L.N. 341 of 1998; L.N. 66 of 2002; L.N. 217 of 2005; L.N. 252 of 2009)

[section 156(2)]

Section 7G of the Registration of Patents Ordinance (Cap 42) as applying for the purposes of section 156(1) of this Ordinance reads

"7G. Transitional

(1) Any question whether-

(a)
an act done before the commencement date by the Government or a person authorized by the Governor under section 7B, as it read immediately before the commencement date, constitutes the use of a patented invention for the services of the Crown, or
(b) any payment falls to be made in respect of any such use (whether to a person entitled to register a

patent for the invention, to the patentee or to an exclusive licensee), shall be determined in accordance with sections 7B to 7D as they read immediately before the commencement date.

(2) Where an act is begun before the commencement date and continues to be done on or after that date, then, if that act would under the law in force immediately before that date constitute use of a patented invention for the services of the Crown, its continuance shall constitute Crown use under this Ordinance and shall not constitute an infringement.
(3) In this section, "commencement date" (生效日期) means the date on which section 11 of the Intellectual Property (World Trade Organization Amendments) Ordinance 1996 (11 of 1996) comes into operation.".
章: 514 專利條例 憲報編號 版本日期
詳題 30/06/1997

本條例旨在就專利及有關事宜訂立新的條文以取代《專利權註冊條例》。

[本條例,但第125條除外 } 1997年6月27日
第125條 } 1997年7月1日 1997年第367號法律公告 ]
(本為1997年第52號)
條: 1 簡稱 30/06/1997

第I部 導言

  1. (1) 本條例可引稱為《專利條例》。
  2. (2) (已失時效而略去)
  3. (1) 在本條例中,除文意另有所指外─
條: 2 釋義 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

“《日內瓦議定書》”(Protocol) 指世界貿易組織總理事會於2005年12月6日在日內瓦通過的修訂《知識產權協議》的議定書、該議定書的附件、《知識產權協議》的附件及該附件的附錄; (由2007年第21號第3條增補)

“不具損害性的披露”(non-prejudicial disclosure) 就一項發明而言,指該發明的披露,而就決定該發明是否屬現有技術的一部分而言,該披露不在考慮之列;

“反對或撤銷專利的法律程序”(opposition or revocation proceedings) 就指定專利而言,指根據指定專利當局的法律進行的法律程序,而該法律有就在批予專利後的指明期限內撤銷或修訂指定專利之事作出規定;

“《巴黎公約》”(Paris Convention) 指1883年3月20日在巴黎簽訂並經不時修改或修訂的《保護工業產權公約》; (由2001年第2號第2條修訂) “巴黎公約國家”(Paris Conventioncountry) 指─

(a) 當其時在附表1指明為已加入《巴黎公約》的任何國家;
(b)受依據(a)段而在附表1指明的任何國家的權限所管轄或以任何該等國家為宗主國的地區或地方,或由任何該等國家管治的地區或地方,而該等國家已代該地區或地方加入《巴黎公約》;

“出口成員地”(exporting member) 指按照《總理事會決定》或《日內瓦議定書》製造供出口至合資格進口成員地的專利藥劑製品的世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方; (由2007年第21號第3條增補)

“世界貿易組織”(WTO)指於1995年1月1日在日內瓦根據《世界貿易組織協議》設立的世界貿易組織; (由2007年第21號第3條增補) “世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方”(WTO member country, territory or area) 指當其時在附表1指明為已加入《世界貿易組織協議》的任何國家、地區或地方;

“《世界貿易組織協議》”(World Trade Organisation Agreement) 指1994年在馬拉喀什訂立並經不時修改或修訂的以該名稱為名的協議; (由2001年第2號第2條修訂)

“《多哈宣言》”(Doha Declaration) 指世界貿易組織第四次部長級會議於2001年11月14日在卡塔爾的多哈通過的《與貿易有關的知識產權協議及公共衞生宣言》; (由2007年第21號第3條增補)

“合資格進口成員地”(eligible importing member) 指─

(a) 獲聯合國承認為屬最低度發展國家的世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方;或
(b)已就擬按照《總理事會決定》或《日內瓦議定書》進口藥劑製品一事向知識產權理事會給予書面通知的任何其他世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方;(由2007年第21號第3條增補)

“有關文書或法例”(relevant instrument or legislation) 指─

(a) 《總理事會決定》;
(b) 《日內瓦議定書》;或
(c) 出口成員地或合資格進口成員地(視屬何情況而定)依據下述決定或議定書或為落實下述決定或議定書而訂立的法例─

(i) 《總理事會決定》;或

(ii) 《日內瓦議定書》; (由2007年第21號第3條增補) “官方公報”(official journal) 指當其時根據第150A條指明為官方紀錄公報的刊物; (由2001年第2號第2條增補) “受保護的布圖設計(拓樸圖)”(protected layout-design (topography)) 具有《集成電路的布圖設計(拓樸

圖)條例》(第445章)第2(1)條給予該詞的涵義;

“法院”(court) 指原訟法庭; (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

“《知識產權協議》”(TRIPS Agreement)指屬《世界貿易組織協議》的附件1C的《與貿易有關的知識產權協議》; (由2007年第21號第3條增補)

“知識產權理事會”(TRIPS Council) 指《知識產權協議》第68條提述的與貿易有關的知識產權理事

會; (由2007年第21號第3條增補) “訂明”(prescribed) 指由根據第149條訂立的規則所訂明或規定; “指定專利當局的法律”(law of the designated patent office)─

(a)就根據除香港外的任何國家、地區或地方的法律而設立的指定專利當局而言,指該國家、地區或地方的法律;

(b) 就根據某一國際協議而設立的指定專利當局而言,指該國際協議的條文; “按揭”(mortgage) 當用作名詞時,包括為確保取得金錢或金錢等值而作的押記,而當用作動詞時,

亦須據此解釋;

“核實副本”(verified copy) 就任何文件而言,指以訂明的方式核實的副本;

“記錄請求”(request to record) 指根據第15條為記錄指定專利申請而提出的請求;

“專用特許”(exclusive licence)指由專利所有人或專利申請人在摒除任何其他人(包括該所有人或申請人)的情況下,將關於該專利或專利的申請所關乎的發明的任何權利授予特許持有人或授予該持有人及獲他授權的人的特許,而“專用特許持有人”(exclusive licensee)及“非專用特許”(non-exclusive licence) 亦須據此解釋;

“專利申請”(patent application) 具有與專利的申請相同的涵義;

“《專利合作條約》”(Patent Cooperation Treaty) 指1970年6月19日在華盛頓訂立並經不時修改或修訂

的以該名稱為名的條約; (由2001年第2號第2條修訂) “專利的申請”(application for a patent) 指標準專利的申請或短期專利的申請; “專利產品”(patented product)─

(a) 指屬已獲批予標準專利或短期專利(視屬何情況而定)的發明的產品;

(b)就已獲批予標準專利或短期專利(視屬何情況而定)的方法而言,指直接藉該方法而取得的產品或已應用該方法的產品; “專利註冊處處長”(Registrar of Patents) 指憑藉《知識產權署署長(設立)條例》(第412章)而擔任該職位的人; “專利發明”(patented invention) 指已獲批予標準專利或短期專利(視屬何情況而定)的發明,而“專利

方法”(patented process) 亦須據此解釋; “專利藥劑製品”(patented pharmaceutical product)─

(a) 指屬已獲批予標準專利或短期專利(視屬何情況而定)的發明的藥劑製品;
(b)就某已獲批予標準專利或短期專利(視屬何情況而定)的方法而言,指直接藉該方法取得

的藥劑製品,或已應用該方法的藥劑製品; (由2007年第21號第3條增補) “處長”(Registrar) 指專利註冊處處長; “規則”(rules) 指由處長根據第149條立的規則; “國際申請”(international application) 指根據《專利合作條約》提出的國際專利申請; “國際局”(International Bureau) 指根據1967年7月14日在斯德哥爾摩簽訂的《建立世界知識產權組織

公約》有所規定的知識產權國際局;

“註冊”(register)就任何事物而言,指將該事物註冊或將該事物的詳情註冊或將該事物的通知記入註冊紀錄冊內;就任何人而言,指將他的姓名或名稱記入註冊紀錄冊內;而同根詞句亦須據此解釋;

“註冊紀錄冊”(register) 指根據第51條備存的專利註冊紀錄冊;
“註冊處”(registry) 指由處長管理的專利註冊處;
“註冊與批予請求”(request for registration and grant) 指根據第23條為某一指定專利的註冊和為某一指

定專利的已發表說明書所顯示的發明批予標準專利而提出的請求; “提交日期”(date of filing)─

(a) 就記錄請求或註冊與批予請求而言,指分別憑藉第17或24條提交該項請求的日期;
(b) 就標準專利的申請而言,具有第3(ii)條就該詞指明的涵義;

(c) 就指定專利申請而言,指在指定專利申請書內指明為提交日期的日期; “短期專利”(short-term patent) 指為任何發明而根據第XV部批予的專利; “短期專利申請”(short-term patent application) 指根據第XV部提出的短期專利申請; “僱主”(employer) 就任何僱員而言,指僱用或曾經僱用該僱員的人; “僱員”(employee) 指任何根據僱用合約(不論是與政府或與任何其他人訂立的合約)工作的人,或(凡

已終止受僱)曾經如此工作的人; “說明書”(specification)就根據本條例提出的專利的申請或就任何指定專利申請或國際申請而言,

指其申請書載有的說明、權利要求和繪圖; “標準專利”(standard patent) 指根據第II部就某項發明而批予的專利; “標準專利申請”(standard patent application) 指根據第II部就某一標準專利而提出的申請; “《總理事會決定》”(General Council Decision) 指世界貿易組織總理事會於2003年8月30日通過的關

於落實《多哈宣言》第6段的決定; (由2007年第21號第3條增補) “藥劑製品”(pharmaceutical product) 指─

(a) 《藥劑業及毒藥條例》(第138章)第2(1)條所指的藥劑製品;
(b) 製造(a)段所述的藥劑製品所需的有效成分;或
(c) 使用(a)段所述的藥劑製品所需的診斷用具; (由2007年第21號第3條增補)

“權利”(right)就任何專利或專利申請而言,包括該專利或申請的權益,而在不損害上文的原則下,凡提述專利的權利,包括提述該專利的份額。

(2)下表左欄所列詞句的涵義,由列於右欄相對該等詞句的本條例的條文予以界定,或按照該

等條文予以解釋。
詞句 有關條文
標準專利的申請 (application for a standard patent) 第3條
相應指定專利 (corresponding designated patent) 第4條
相應指定專利申請 (corresponding designated patent applicatio n) 第4條
當作提交日期 (deemed date of filing) 第38條
指定專利 (designated p atent) 第4條
指定專利申請 (designated patent application) 第4條
指定專利的分開申請 (divisional designated pa tent application) 第22(1)條
政府徵用 (Government use) 第69(2)條
巴黎公約國 (Paris Conv ention country) 第98(6)條
專利 (patent ) 第6(1)條
發表 (published) 第5條
實施 (work) 第6(4)條

詳列交互參照: 第15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27條

在本條例中﹐除文意另有所指外,凡提述標準專利的申請,即提述直至批予標準專利前(但不包括標準專利的批予)根據第II部進行的以下程序─

(a)根據第15至22條將指定專利申請予以記錄;及 〈*註─詳列交互參照:第15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22條 *〉
(b) 根據第23至27條將已發表的指定專利說明書所顯示的發明的指定專利註冊和就該項發明

批予標準專利, 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第23,24,25,26,27條 *〉 而同根詞句亦須據此解釋;此外,凡提述─

(i) 提交標準專利的申請,即提述提交記錄請求;
(ii) 提交標準專利的申請的日期,即提述提交記錄請求的日期;
(iii) 所提交的標準專利的申請,即提述所提交的記錄請求;
(iv) 標準專利的申請的發表,即提述記錄請求的發表;
(v)屬標準專利的申請標的之發明,或已就其提交標準專利的申請的發明,即提述相應指定專利的說明書內所披露的發明或(如在該項申請中並無提出註冊與批予請求)提述指定專利申請的說明書內所披露的發明;
(vi) 標準專利的申請的說明書,即提述相應指定專利申請的說明書。
    1. (1) 在本條例中,除文意另有所指外─ “指定專利”(designated patent) 指由指定專利當局批予的專利; “指定專利申請”(designated patent application) 指─
    2. (a) 在指定專利當局提出的專利申請,而該項申請已根據指定專利當局的法律發表;
    1. (b) 已予發表的國際專利申請,而該申請已在指定專利當局有效地進入其國家階段; “指定專利當局”(designated patent office) 指根據第8條為施行本條例而指定的專利當局。
        1. (2) 在本條例中,除文意另有所指外,凡─
          1. (a)就標準專利而提述“相應指定專利”,即提述在為該標準專利的批予而提交的申請中已根據第27條予以註冊的指定專利;
          2. (b) (i) 就為一項發明而提出的標準專利的申請而提述“相應指定專利申請”,即提述關於該項發明的指定專利申請;
        2. (ii) 就標準專利而提述“相應指定專利申請”,即提述相應指定專利之獲批予所依據的指定專利申請。
        1. (1) 在本條例中﹐除文意另有所指外─
          1. (a) “發表”(published) 指(不論在香港或其他地方)已向公眾提供;及
          2. (b)如公眾人士在香港任何地方有權查閱某一文件(不論須否付費),則該文件須被視為已根據本條例的任何條文發表。
        1. (2) 在不損害第(1)款的原則下以及除文意另有所指外,在本條例中凡提述─
          1. (a) 標準專利的批予被發表,即提述該批予已根據第27條被發表;
          2. (b) 任何記錄請求被發表,即提述該請求根據第20條被發表;
          3. (c)任何指定專利被發表,即提述該指定專利由批予該專利的指定專利當局發表,而該指定專利當局是為施行關乎專利的申請及專利的批予的該當局的法律而批予該專利的;
            1. (d) 任何指定專利申請被發表─
              1. (i) (除第(ii)節另有規定外)即提述該項申請由提出該項申請所在的指定專利當局發表;
              2. (ii) 就基於某一國際申請的指定專利申請而言,即提述該國際申請由國際局根據《專利合作條約》發表,或由提出該項申請所在的指定專利當局發表(兩者以較早者為準);
          4. (e) 任何短期專利被發表,即提述該專利根據第118條被發表。
    1. 除文意另有所指外,在本條例中凡提述專利,即提述根據本條例批予的標準專利或短期專利。
    2. (2) 除文意另有所指外,在本條例中凡提述國際協議,即提述─
      1. (a)該協議或取代該協議的任何其他國際協議,而該協議或該其他國際協議是可按照或由任何國際協議(包括任何議定書或附件)所不時修訂或補充的;
      2. (b) 根據任何上述協議所訂立以就修訂或補充該協議而作出規定的文書。
  1. 除文意另有所指外,在本條例中凡提述除香港外的任何國家、地區或地方的成文法則或法律,須解釋為提述根據或由該國家、地區或地方的任何其他成文法則或法律所不時修訂或延伸適用的成文法則或法律。
  2. 除文意另有所指外,在本條例中凡提述在香港實施一項發明,包括提述藉進口香港而實施該項發明而該項進口的目的在於將有關的專利產品推出市場或為此而將之貯存。
  3. 就本條例而言,如已在任何指定專利申請內或在任何專利或指定專利的說明書內就任何事宜提出權利要求或作出披露(而並非藉對先有技術的卸棄或承認而作出的),則該事宜須視為已在任何該等申請或說明書內披露。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 130(3) U.K.〕

條: 7 有關提交文件等的條文 30/06/1997

在本條例中,除文意另有所指外,就向處長提交任何文件而作出規定的提述,須當作包括規定繳付為提交該文件而訂明的任何費用的提述,而除非為該文件的提交而訂明的任何上述費用已如所訂明般繳付,否則任何文件不得當作已就本條例而言屬妥為提交。

條: 8 專利當局的指定 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的修訂─見1999年第22號第3

行政長官會同行政會議可為施行本條例而藉在憲報刊登的公告指定根據除香港外的任何國家、地區或地方的法律設立的專利當局或指定根據任何國際協議設立的專利當局。 (由1999年第22號第3條修訂)

條: 9 關於由2項或多於 2項專利所涵蓋的發明的特別條文 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

凡同一發明實際上有2項或多於2項專利,如該項發明的任何使用並不構成(不論憑藉其所有人給予的任何同意、根據第VIII部具有效力的強制性特許、第IX部關乎政府徵用的條文、根據第IXA部具有效力的進口強制性特許或根據第IXB部具有效力的出口強制性特許)侵犯該等專利的其中一項專利,則該使用不構成侵犯該等專利中的另一項專利。

(由2007年第21號第4條修訂)

條: 10 關於標準專利的申請的一般條文 30/06/1997

詳列交互參照: 第15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22,23,24,25,26,27條

第II部

標準專利的申請

序言

本部須解釋為規定在(並只有在)符合以下情況下方可就任何發明批予標準專利─

(a)已在指定專利當局提交該項發明的專利的申請,而該項申請已由指定專利當局發表(而在本條例中,經如此提交和發表的專利申請稱為“指定專利申請”);
(b) 已按照第15至22條將該項指定專利申請記錄在註冊紀錄冊內和在香港發表,作為標準專利的申請的第一階段; 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第15,16,17,18,19,20,21,22條
*
(c)已依據該項指定專利申請在指定專利當局獲批予專利(而在本條例中,該專利稱為“指定專利”);及
(d) 已按照第23至27條將該指定專利註冊,作為標準專利的申請的第二階段。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第23,24,25,26,27條 *〉
條: 11 標準專利的申請的形式上的審查 30/06/1997

除有明文相反規定外,本部規定由處長對一項發明的標準專利的申請作出的審查的任何條文,均不得解釋為對處長施加須為該審查的目的而考慮或顧及以下任何問題的義務─

(a) 該項發明的可享專利性;
(b) 申請人是否有權享有申請書內聲稱具有的優先權;
(c) 該項發明是否已妥善地在申請書內披露;或
(d)第45、77、78、79、93、94、95、96、97、98、99或100條所訂的任何規定是否已獲遵守。
條: 12 誰可申請 30/06/1997

申請的權利

    1. (1) 以下人士可就一項發明申請批予標準專利─
      1. (a)在該項發明的專利的指定專利申請書內被指名為申請人的人,或他在該項指定專利申請下於香港的權利的所有權繼承人;或
      2. (b) 在優先於(a)段所述的人的情況下,在香港享有該項發明的產權的人。
  1. 在符合第13條所指的裁定下,在處長席前進行的法律程序中,任何發明的標準專利的申請

人就該等法律程序而言,須當作為有權根據第(1)款就該項發明申請批予專利的人。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 7 U.K.〕

條: 13 在批予前對關於誰可申請的問題的裁定 30/06/1997
    1. (1) 在就某項發明批予標準專利前的任何時間(不論是否已有標準專利的申請就該項發明提出)─
      1. (a)任何人可將他是否有權根據第12條(單獨或與其他人共同)就該項發明申請批予標準專利的問題轉介處長或法院;或
      2. (b)該項發明的專利的申請的任何2名或多於2名共同所有人中的任何一名所有人可將應否把在該項申請內或在該項申請下的任何權利移轉予或批予任何其他人的問題轉介處長或法院。
  1. (2) 處長或法院可作出其認為合適的命令,以執行根據本條作出的裁定。
    1. 凡任何問題是在提交標準專利的申請後但在依據該申請而批予標準專利前根據本條轉介處長或法院的,則除非該項申請在處長或法院處理該項轉介之前已予撤回,否則處長或法院可─
      1. (a)命令該項標準專利申請須以該人的名義單獨或聯同任何其他申請人進行,而非以該申請人或任何指明申請人的名義進行;
      2. (b) (凡該項轉介是由2人或多於2人作出的)命令該項申請須以他們全體的共同名義進行;或
      3. (c)作出命令,將在該項申請內或在該項申請下的任何特許或其他權利移轉或批予,並為執行任何上述命令的條文向任何人發出指示。
  1. 凡任何人根據第(1)(b)款將某一關乎申請的問題轉介,根據第(2)款作出的任何命令可載有就在該項申請中或在該項申請下的任何權利的移轉或批予向任何人發出的指示。
  2. 如已根據第(3)(c)或(4)款向任何人發出指示,但該人沒有在指示日期後的14日內作出為執行任何該等指示而需作出的任何事情,則處長或法院可因應發出該等指示所惠及的或該等指示是因其轉介而發出的任何人向處長或法院提出的申請,授權他代表上述接獲該等指示的人作出該事情。

(6) 除非已向以下人士以訂明方式給予上述轉介的通知,否則不得根據第(3)款作出命令─

(a) 標準專利的申請人(但並非該項轉介的一方);或
(b)任何其他人(但並非該項轉介的一方),而他在該項轉介中被指稱憑藉任何與該項發明或申請有關的交易、文書或事件而具有單獨或連同任何其他人提出批予標準專利的申請的權利,

而任何人收到該通知後可反對該項轉介。

(7)不得根據本條作出任何指示以影響受託人或死者的遺產代理人的相互權利或義務或他們作

為受託人或遺產代理人的權利或義務。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 8 U.K.〕

  1. 凡根據第13條作出的命令或發出的指示,規定任何標準專利的申請須以一名或多於一名原有申請人的名義進行(不論該項申請是否亦以某另一人的名義進行),則在符合根據該條作出的命令和發出的任何指示下,在該項申請內或在該項申請下的任何特許或其他權利須繼續有效,且須被視為是由以其名義進行申請的人批予的。
  2. 凡根據第13條作出的命令或發出的指示,規定任何標準專利的申請須以一名或多於一名並非原有申請人的人的名義進行(因原有申請人無權根據第12條提出專利批予的申請),則在符合根據該條作出的命令和發出的任何指示下,以及除第(3)款另有規定外,在該項申請內或在該項申請下的任何特許或其他權利須在該人或該等人註冊為申請人時失效;凡標準專利的申請尚未發表,則在作出該命令時失效。
    1. (3) 如在根據第13條向處長或法院作出某項轉介(該項轉介導致第(2)款所述任何命令的作出)之前 ─
      1. (a)原有申請人或任何該等申請人在真誠地行事的情況下,已在香港實施有關的發明,或已為此而作出有效而認真的準備工作;或
      2. (b)該申請人的特許持有人在真誠地行事的情況下,已在香港實施該項發明,或已為此而

作出有效而認真的準備工作, 則該原有申請人或該等原有申請人或該特許持有人在訂明期限內向以其名義進行該項申請的人提出請求後,須有權獲批予特許(但並非專用特許)以實施或繼續實施(視屬何情況而定)該項發明。

(4) 任何上述特許須按合理條款批予和為期一段合理期間。

(5)凡一項命令是如第(2)款所述般作出的,則以其名義進行申請的人或任何聲稱有權獲批予任何上述特許的人,可將後者是否有此資格的問題和任何上述期間或條款是否合理的問題,轉介處長或法院;處長或法院(視何者適當而定)須對該問題作出裁定,如處長或法院認為適當,並可命令批予該特許。

(6) 處長或法院可作出其認為合適的命令,以執行根據第(5)款所作的裁定。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 11 U.K.〕

指定專利申請的記錄請求

    1. 根據第12(1)條有權就一項發明申請批予標準專利的任何人,可於自發表就該項發明而在指定專利當局提出的專利申請的日期後6個月內的任何時間,請求處長將該項指定專利申請的紀錄記入註冊紀錄冊內(在本條例中稱為“記錄請求”)。
    2. (2) 每一上述請求須由申請人簽署和以訂明方式向處長提交,並須載有以下各項─
        1. (a)一份已發表的指定專利申請的影印本,包括與該指定專利申請一併發表的任何說明、
        2. 權利要求、繪圖、查檢報告或撮錄;
      1. (b)凡指定專利申請書並無載有任何作為發明人的人的姓名或名稱,則一項識別申請人所相信是發明人的人或人等的陳述;
      2. (c) 提出該項請求的人的姓名或名稱及地址;
      3. (d)如提交請求的人並非是在指定專利申請中指名為申請人的人,則一項解釋他有權就有關發明申請批予標準專利的陳述以及支持該項陳述的訂明文件;
        1. (e)如根據第98條聲稱具有優先權,而該優先權是基於該條所述的較早申請而在指定專利當局享有的,則須載有一項顯示以下細節的陳述─ (由2001年第2號第3條修訂)
          1. (i) 聲稱具有優先權的日期;
          2. (ii) 提交該項較早申請書的所在國家;
      4. (f) 如在提交指定專利申請時已按照指定專利當局的法律就有關發明過往所作的披露提出權利要求,而該項披露就指定專利當局的法律而言屬不具損害性的披露,則須載有一項顯示關乎該項過往的披露的訂明細節的陳述;及 (由2001年第2號第3條代替)
      5. (g) 在香港供送達文件用的地址。
  1. 每一上述請求亦須符合本條例就以一種法定語文或兼以兩種法定語文提供資料或將文件翻譯成一種或兩種法定語文的譯本所訂的規定。
  2. 提交費及公告費須在最早向處長提交記錄請求的任何部分後的1個月內予以繳付;如該兩項費用的任何一項沒有在該期限內或在根據第(5)款容許的較長期限內繳付,則標準專利的申請須當作被撤回。
  3. 規則可就未有在第(4)款所指明的時限內繳付提交費或公告費給予寬限期一事作出規定,使該等費用在寬限期內仍可有效地繳付。
  4. 就在根據第8條指定有關的指定專利當局的日期前發表的指定專利申請而言,第(1)款並不適用。

(7) 本條不阻止任何記錄請求藉符合第17條規定的文件而提出。 [比照 EPC Art. 78;1977 c. 37 s. 14 U.K.]

凡指定專利申請是根據《專利合作條約》提出的國際申請的國家階段,則─

(a) 為施行第15(1)條,以及儘管第5(2)(d)(ii)條另有規定,指定專利申請的發表日期須為─
(i) 在指定專利當局作出該發表的日期,作為表示該項國際申請已有效地進入其在指定專利當局的國家階段;或
(ii) 在規則內所訂明的其他日期,而該日期不早於該項國際申請有效地進入其在指定專利當局的國家階段的日期;
(b) 第15(2)(a)條所提述的指定專利申請的影印本,須理解為提述─
(i) 由國際局發表的國際申請的影印本;
(ii) 由指定專利當局發表的國際申請的任何譯本的影印本;及
(iii) 在指定專利當局發表的關於國際申請的任何資料的影印本;
(c) (由2001年第2號第4條廢除)
(d) 第17(1)(c)條須以為施行本條而訂立的規則所指明的方式具有效力。

(1)在不抵觸第(2)款及第18(3)條的條文下,提交記錄請求的日期須為申請人提交載有以下各項的文件的最早日期─

(a) 提出記錄某一指定專利申請的請求的表示;
(b) 識別申請人身分的資料;及
(c) 對指定專利申請的提述,包括─
(i) 指定專利當局編配予該申請的申請編號;及
(ii) 指定專利當局編配予該申請的發表編號(如有的話),和指定專利當局發表該申請的日期(如有的話)。 (由2001年第2號第5條修訂)

(2)如最早向處長提交的記錄請求的任何部分發生在相應指定專利申請的發表超逾6個月後,則

該請求不得作為標準專利的申請處理。 [比照 EPC Art. 80]

條: 18 在提交記錄請求時的審查 30/06/1997

(1) 處長須審查─

(a) 記錄請求是否符合第17(1)條為提交日期的設定所訂的規定(“最低限度的規定”);
(b) 提交費及公告費是否已在限期之內繳付。

(2)除第17(2)條另有規定外,如因在最低限度的規定方面有不足之處,以致不能設定提交日期,則處長須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。

(3)如該等不足之處沒有在訂明的時間內予以更正,則該項請求不得作為一項標準專利的申請

處理。 〔比照 EPC Art. 90〕

條: 19 對記錄請求的形式上的規定的審查 30/06/1997
  1. 如任何記錄請求的提交日期已予設定,且該請求並沒有憑藉第15(4)條當作已予撤回,則處長須審查第15(2)及(3)條的規定(“形式上的規定”)是否已予符合。
    1. 凡處長注意到在形式上的規定方面有不足之處,而該等不足之處是可予以更正的,則他須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。
        1. (3) 如─
          1. (a) 在形式上的規定方面有不能更正的不足之處,則有關的標準專利的申請須予以拒絕;
          2. (b)在審查中所注意到的形式上的規定方面的任何不足之處沒有按照規則予以更正,則除第(4)款所規定外,有關的標準專利的申請須予拒絕,如未有採取任何步驟以更正該等不足之處,則該項申請須當作已予撤回。
      1. 如只關乎任何人聲稱具有的任何優先權利的不足之處沒有妥為更正,則該項申請的優先權

利即告喪失。 〔比照 EPC Art. 91〕

條: 20 記錄請求的發表 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(1)如在根據第19(1)條作出的審查中,發覺某一記錄請求已符合第15(2)及(3)條的規定,或如由處長在其後作出的審查中,發覺根據第19(2)條注意到的不足之處已按照規則予以更正,則處長須在上述審查後,在切實可行範圍內盡快(但須在符合本條及第37條的規定下)─

(a) 在註冊紀錄冊內記錄指定專利申請,並在註冊紀錄冊內記入記錄請求的詳情;
(b) 以訂明方式發表所提交的記錄請求;
(c) 於官方公報刊登該項發表及記項的事實的公告;及 (由2001年第2號第6條修訂;由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
(d) 告知申請人該記錄請求的發表。
    1. (2) 在以下情況,記錄請求不得予以發表─
      1. (a) 在該項發表的準備工作完成前,該記錄請求已被最終拒絕或撤回或當作被撤回;或
      2. (b) 提交費或告費未繳付。
    1. (3) 就第(1)(b)款而言,記錄請求須包括─
      1. (a)指定專利申請,包括由指定專利當局發表的並在記錄請求中所提交的說明、權利要求、任何繪圖及任何查檢報告或撮錄;
      2. (b) 所有人及(如與所有人不同)發明人的姓名或名稱。
條: 21 處長可發表額外事宜 30/06/1997

處長在根據第20(1)(b)條發表一項記錄請求時,除了發表第20(3)條所指明的事宜外,還可發表構成或關乎該項請求而處長認為適宜發表的事宜。

條: 22 在指定專利的分開申請中為記錄請求而訂定的條文 30/06/1997

(1) 凡在標準專利的申請中─

(a) 記錄請求已根據第20條發表並未被拒絕、撤回或當作撤回;及
(b)相應指定專利申請人或其所有權繼承人已在指定專利當局提交專利的分開申請(“指定專利的分開申請”),亦即─
(i) 是就同一標的事項而提出且不超越在指定專利當局所提交的相應指定專利申請的內容;
(ii) 以相應指定專利申請的提交日期為其提交日期;及

(iii) 享有與該相應指定專利所享有的任何優先權利相同的利益, 的專利的申請,則申請人可在指定專利的分開申請的發表日期後或在根據本條例提出的記錄請求的發表日期(兩者以較遲者為準)後的6個月內,請求處長將該指定專利的分開申請的紀錄記入註冊紀錄冊內。

    1. (2) 凡指定專利的分開申請的記錄請求已根據本條提交─
      1. (a)則該項請求須當作已於較早的記錄請求的提交日期提交,而標準專利的申請須享有任何優先權利的利益;
      2. (b)在符合(a)段的規定下,本條例的條文適用於上述的請求,一如該等條文適用於根據第15(1)條提交的記錄請求。
    1. (3) 為將本條例其他條文應用於本條的目的─
      1. (a)在該等其他條文中凡提述相應指定專利申請,須理解為提述第(1)(b)款所述的指定專利的分開申請;
      2. (b)在該等其他條文中凡提述相應指定專利,須理解為提述依據指定專利的分開申請批予

的指定專利。 〔比照 EPC Art. 76; 1992 No. 1 s. 24 Eire; 1977 c. 37 s. 15 U.K.〕

條: 23 註冊與批予請求的提交 30/06/1997

註冊與批予請求

(1) 凡在標準專利的申請中─

(a)指定專利申請已記錄於註冊紀錄冊內,且記錄請求已被發表,而該記錄請求並沒有被

拒絕亦沒有當作被撤回或放棄(不論根據本部或第Ⅲ部);及

(b) 專利已在指定專利當局依據該指定專利申請獲批予, 則在符合第(2)款的規定下,申請人或其所有權繼承人可請求處長將如此批予的指定專利註冊,並就已發表的指定專利的說明書內所示的發明批予標準專利(在本條例中稱為“註冊與批予請求”)。
(2)
第(1)款所指的註冊與批予請求須在指定專利當局批予指定專利的日期或記錄請求的發表日期(兩者以較後者為準)後的6個月內提出。
(3) 每一上述請求須以訂明方式向處長提交,並須載有以下各項─
(a)已發表的指定專利說明書的核實副本一份,包括由指定專利當局發表的說明、權利要求及任何繪圖;
(b)如提交請求的人並非是在註冊紀錄冊中指名為有關發明的標準專利申請人的人,則一項解釋首述的人有權就該項發明申請批予標準專利的陳述以及支持該陳述的訂明文件;
(c)凡記錄請求載有一項根據第15(2)(e)條作出的陳述,其意是有人聲稱基於在指定專利當局所聲稱具有的優先權利而具有優先權,則為所訂明的已在指定專利當局提交而聲稱具有並證明該等優先權利的文件的副本。
(4)
每一上述請求亦須符合本條例就以一種法定語文或兼以兩種法定語文提供資料或將文件翻譯成一種或兩種法定語文的譯本所訂的規定。
(5)
提交費及公告費須在最早提交註冊與批予請求的任何部分後的1個月內予以繳付;如該兩項費用的任何一項沒有在該期限內或在根據第(6)款容許的較長期限內予以繳付,則專利的申請須當作已予撤回。
(6)
規則可就未有在第(5)款所指明的時限內繳付提交費或公告費給予寬限期一事作出規定,使該等費用在該寬限期內仍可有效地予以繳付。
(7) 本條不阻止任何註冊與批予請求按照第24條而提出。
(1)
在不抵觸第(2)款及第25(3)條的條文下,註冊與批予請求的提交日期須為申請人提交載有以下各項的文件的最早日期─
(a) 為一項指定專利的註冊和為一項標準專利的批予提出請求的表示;
(b) 識別申請人身分的資料;
(c) 由指定專利當局編配予指定專利的發表編號,及其發表日期;及
(d) 由處長編配予記錄請求的發表編號。
(2)
如最早向處長提交註冊與批予請求的任何部分是發生在以下事宜(以較遲發生者為準)後的6個月以後─
(a) 指定專利的批予日期;及
(b) 按照第20條將記錄請求發表, 則該項申請須當作已被撤回。
(1) 處長須審查─
(a) 註冊與批予請求是否符合第24(1)條為提交日期的設定所訂的規定;及
(b) 提交費及公告費是否已在限期之內繳付。
(2)
在不抵觸第24(2)條的條文下,如在根據第(1)(a)款作出審查時,因在第(1)(a)款所述的規定方面有不足之處,以致不能設定提交日期,則處長須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。
(3) 如─
(a)在第24(1)條所指明的規定方面有不能更正的不足之處,則有關的標準專利的申請須予以拒絕;
(b)在根據第(1)款作出的審查中所注意到的有關規定方面的不足之處沒有按照規則予以更正,則有關的標準專利的申請須予以拒絕,如沒有採取步驟以更正該等不足之處,則該項申請須當作被撤回。
(1)
如註冊與批予請求的提交日期已予設定,且沒有憑藉第23(5)條當作被撤回,則處長須審查第23(3)及(4)條的規定(“形式上的規定”)是否已獲符合。
(2)
凡處長注意到在形式上的規定方面有不足之處,而該等不足之處是可更正的,他須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。
    1. (3) 如─
      1. (a) 在形式上的規定方面有不能更正的不足之處,則有關的標準專利的申請須予以拒絕;
      2. (b)在審查中所注意到的在形式上的規定方面的任何不足之處沒有按照規則予以更正,則除第(4)款另有規定外,有關的標準專利的申請須予以拒絕,如沒有採取步驟以更正該等不足之處,則該項申請須當作被撤回。
  1. 如只關乎任何人聲稱具有的任何優先權利的不足之處沒有妥為更正,則該項申請的優先權
條: 26 對註冊與批予請求的形式上的規定的審查 30/06/1997

利即告喪失。 〔比照 EPC Art. 91〕

條: 27 指定專利的註冊與專利的批予 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
    1. 如在根據第26(1)條作出的審查中,發覺某註冊與批予請求已符合第23(3)及(4)條的規定,或在其後作出的審查中,發覺根據第26(2)條注意到的不足之處已按照規則予以更正,則處長須在該審查後,在切實可行範圍內盡快(但須在符合第37條的規定下)─
      1. (a) 藉在註冊紀錄冊內記入適當的記項而將指定專利註冊;及
      2. (b)就根據第23(3)(a)條提交的指定專利的已發表說明書內所示的發明批予標準專利,並就此發出證明書。
    1. 除非第23條所指明的提交費及公告費與本部先前的各條文所訂的任何其他須繳付的費用已繳付,否則不得根據本條批予任何專利。
    2. (3) 在標準專利已根據本條批予後,處長須在切實可行範圍內盡快─
      1. (a)以訂明方式發表該專利的說明書,以及所有人及(如與所有人不同)發明人的姓名或名稱;
      2. (b) 將根據第(1)(b)款發出的證明書送交所有人;及
      3. (c) 於官方公報刊登批予專利的事實的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
  1. 在根據第(3)(a)款發表該款所指明的任何事宜時,處長可另外發表其認為適宜發表的構成或關乎該專利的其他事宜。
條: 28 標準專利的申請的進一步處理 30/06/1997

進一步的處理;權利的恢復

(1) 在符合本條的規定下,凡─

514 -專利條例

(a)一項標準專利的申請或該項申請的任何部分在申請人沒有遵守本部所訂的時限(包括由處長定下的任何時限)後被拒絕或當作被撤回;及

(b) 申請人已藉向處長提交通知而請求恢復該項申請或該部分的申請, 則根據本條例所規定的沒有遵守該時限的法律後果不得隨之產生,或如該後果已隨之產生,則須予以取消。

    1. (2) (a) 本條所指的通知須以書面方式作出,並須在上述拒絕或當作撤回後的2個月內提交;
      1. (b) 除非額外的訂明費用已繳付,否則本條所指的通知不得當作被提交;及
      2. (c)除非已對構成沒有遵守時限的不作為作出妥善補救,否則本條所指的通知不得當作被提交。
  1. (3) 本條不適用於第15(4)、23(5)、24(2)或25(3)條所指的申請被拒絕或當作撤回的個案。
  2. (4) 處長可藉規例修訂第(2)(a)款所指明的期間,而本條所指的通知須在該期間內提交。 〔比照 EPC Art. 121〕
    1. (1) 在符合本條的規定下,凡─
      1. (a) 標準專利的申請人沒有遵守本部所訂的時限(包括由處長定下的任何時限);及
      2. (b)處長信納儘管申請人已採取在有關情況下所需的所有合理謹慎措施,但仍發生沒有遵

守該時限之事, 則在申請人根據本條向處長申請恢復其已喪失的權利時─

(i) 因沒有遵守上述時限而直接引致的專利申請的任何拒絕或當作撤回,須當作無效,而為根據本部提出的法律程序的目的,該項專利申請須猶如並無上述不遵守時限之事一樣看待;
(ii) 申請人因沒有遵守時限而直接引致喪失的任何權利或糾正方法,須恢復歸予申請人。

(2) (a) 本條所指的申請須以書面方式作出,並須於以下時間或之前提出─

(i) 第(1)(a)款所提述的時限屆滿後的1年;或
(ii) 不遵守時限的因由消除後的2個月,
兩者以較早者為準;
(b) 除非額外的訂明費用已繳付,否則本條所指的申請不得當作已提交;及
(c)除非已對構成沒有遵守時限的不作為作出妥善補救,否則本條所指的申請不得當作已提出。

(3)凡在第(1)(i)款所述及的申請的拒絕或當作撤回之前,記錄請求已根據第20條發表,則處長須在官方公報刊登任何根據第(1)款提出申請的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)

  1. (4) 處長可藉規例修訂第(2)(a)款所指明的期間,而本條所指的通知須在該期間內提交。
  2. 本條不適用於對第15(為施行第15(3)條而指明的任何時限除外)、17(2)、18、19、22、23(5)、

24(2)或25(3)條所訂時限的任何不遵守。 [比照 EPC Art. 122]

(1) 根據第29條恢復權利的效果如下。

(2)凡在第29(1)條所提述的權利的喪失後至根據第29(3)條在官方公報刊登恢復權利申請的公告的期間內,任何人─ (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)

(a)真誠地作出一項作為,而如該等權利尚未喪失,該作為即會構成對申請人在已發表的標準專利的申請下所具有的權利的侵犯;或

(b) 真誠地作出有效而認真的準備工作以作出上述作為, 則他具有第(3)款所指明的權利。

(3) 第(2)款所提述的權利─

(a) 是作出或繼續作出(視屬何情況而定)第(2)款所提述的作為的權利;
(b) 在上述作為或其準備工作已在某業務的過程中作出的情況下─
(i) 就個人而言─
(A) 是將作出該項作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於死亡時轉傳的權利;或
(B) 在該項作為或其準備工作已是在業務的過程中作出的情況下,是授權他當其時在該業務中的任何合夥人作出該項作為的權利;
(ii) 就法人團體而言,是將作出該項作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於該團體解散時轉

傳的權利, 而憑藉本款作出該作為,不構成對申請人在已發表的有關專利的申請下所具有的權利的侵犯。

(4) 第(3)款所指明的權利不包括批予任何人特許以作出第(2)款所提述的作為的權利。

(5)凡任何產品是在行使第(3)款所賦予的權利下被處置而轉予另一人的,則該另一人和任何透過他提出申索的人,可用猶如該產品已由該項專利申請中的申請人處置一樣的同一方法處理該產品。

[比照 1992 No. 1 s. 55(2) to (4) Eire]

第III部

關於批予前的標準專利的申請的條文

    1. 在符合本條及第36及103條的規定下,任何標準專利的申請人可在獲依據該項申請而批予標準專利前的任何時間,按照訂明的條件主動修訂有關申請。
    2. (2) 除非─
    3. (a) 申請已予發表;及
    1. (b) 修訂屬已對相應指定專利申請作出的修訂, 否則任何人不得根據第(1)款對發明的名稱、撮錄、對優先權的權利要求或任何權利要求、說明或繪圖作出修訂。
    2. (3) 處長在接獲按照第(1)及(2)款提交的修訂的詳情後,須記錄該項修訂。
  1. 在符合第36條的規定下,任何標準專利的申請人可在獲依據該項申請批予標準專利前的任何時間,以書面方式撤回其申請,而任何該等撤回均不可撤銷。
    1. 凡任何專利申請根據本條撤回,或根據本條例當作已撤回,或根據本條例的任何條文被拒絕,則以下條文適用─
      1. (a) 如該項申請已發表,則就該項申請而言第94(3)條須繼續適用;
      2. (b)凡在第98條下的優先權利是申請人在緊接該項撤回或拒絕之前所享有的,則申請人須繼續享有該權利;
      3. (c) 不可根據本條例就該項申請聲稱具有其他權利。

附註:

具追溯力的修訂─見1999年第22號第3

  1. 本條適用於已發表的標準專利的申請,但在該項申請中須沒有根據第23條提出的註冊與批予請求。
  2. 如申請人意欲將本條適用的專利申請在第(3)款所指明的日期起計第5年或繼後的任何一年屆滿後再維持一年,他須在該第5年或繼後的一年(視屬何情況而定)屆滿前(但不得早於屆滿日期的3個月前)以訂明方式向處長申請將該專利申請維持(“維持申請”)和繳付訂明的費用(“維持費”);如沒有如此提出維持申請或沒有如此繳付維持費,則本條適用的專利申請須當作在該第5年或繼後的一年屆滿後被撤回和放棄。
  3. 為施行第(2)款而指明的日期,是於記錄請求的發表日期後相應指定專利申請的提交日期的第一個周年的日期。
  4. (4) 在第(2)款所指明的提出維持申請的期間終止後的6個月內,如有申請根據第(2)款提出,而維持費及任何訂明的額外費用亦已以訂明方式繳付,則該項專利申請須猶如從未被撤回或放棄一樣看待。

(5) 如在維持申請中所載的陳述表示─

(a)在該項申請中指明的某一日期(須為一個不早於提出該項申請的日期的前1個月的日期) ─
(i) 有關的指定專利申請就指定專利當局的法律而言沒有被撤回或放棄;及
(ii) 指定專利當局沒有最終拒絕依據該項指定專利申請而批予專利;及
(b) (i) 在為施行(a)段而指明的日期,沒有任何專利依據該項指定專利申請獲批予;或

(ii)已有專利依據該項指定專利申請獲批予,而該項批予的日期是該項申請的日期前6

個月內的某一日期, 則除第(9)款另有規定外,處長須維持該項專利的申請。

  1. 凡在維持申請中載有一項陳述,表示某一指定專利已在維持申請日期前的6個月內的某一日期獲批予,則憑藉第(5)款作出的任何專利申請的維持,須在該批予日期後的6個月終止前的期間內有效。
  2. 如在維持申請中有可更正的不足之處,則處長須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。
    1. 如處長不信納維持申請中任何陳述的真實性,他須據此通知申請人和提出所據理由,並須給予機會讓申請人為令處長信納其陳述的真實性而作出進一步的陳述或援引材料。
    2. (9) 如在根據本條提出的任何申請中─
        1. (a) 該項申請所載的陳述表示─
          1. (i) 有關的指定專利申請已依據指定專利當局的法律被撤回或放棄;
          2. (ii) 指定專利當局已最終拒絕依據有關的指定專利申請而批予專利;或
          3. (iii) 已有指定專利依據有關的指定專利申請獲批予,而該項批予的日期是該項申請的日期前6個月之前的某一日期;
      1. (b) 處長所注意到的不足之處沒有按照規則更正;或
  3. (c) 已根據第(8)款就一項陳述給予通知,而申請人未能令處長信納該項陳述的真實性, 處長須拒絕維持該項專利的申請,而該項拒絕一經作出,該項專利的申請即當作已被撤回或放棄。
  4. 處長可藉規例修訂第(2)款所指明的期間,而根據該款提出維持申請的最早日期是參照該期間而決定的。

(11)行政長官會同行政會議可藉規例修訂第(2)款所指明的期間,而任何不獲維持的標準專利申請在該段期間後須當作已被撤回或放棄。 (由1999年第22號第3條修訂)

[比照 EPC Art. 86]

    1. 凡一項標準專利的申請只因任何維持費沒有根據第33條在指明的期間內繳付,而根據該條當作被撤回,申請人可在該項申請當作被撤回的日期後的12個月內,在繳付訂明費用後,以訂明方式向處長申請恢復該項標準專利的申請。
      1. (2) 處長須在官方公報刊登任何根據第(1)款提出的申請的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
      2. (3) 如因應第(1)款提出的申請─
    2. (a)處長信納申請人雖已採取在有關情況下所需的所有合理謹慎措施,但仍發生沒有在指明的期間內繳付維持費或沒有在該指明期間終止後的6個月內繳付該費用及根據第33(4)條訂定的任何附加費之事;及
  1. (b) 第(4)款的規定已獲符合, 則在任何上述未繳付的維持費及附加費繳付後,處長須命令恢復有關的記錄請求。

(4) 除非處長覺得在提出恢復申請的日期─

(a) 該指定專利申請仍然有效且未被撤回;及
(b)未有任何專利依據該項申請獲批予,或(如已有專利獲批予)根據第23條提交註冊與批予請求的時限尚未屆滿,

否則不得根據第(3)款作出恢復的命令。 [比照 EPC Art. 122]

(1) 根據第34(4)條作出的恢復的效力如下。

    1. 凡在第34(1)條所述的任何當作撤回後至根據第34(2)條在官方公報刊登恢復申請的公告的期間內,任何人─ (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
    2. (a)真誠地作出一項作為,而假如申請人在已發表的專利的申請下所具有的權利尚未喪失,該作為本會構成對該等權利的侵犯;或
  1. (b) 真誠地作出有效而認真的準備工作以作出上述作為, 則他具有第(3)款所指明的權利。

(3) 第(2)款所提述的權利─

(a) 是作出或繼續作出(視屬何情況而定)第(2)款所提述的作為的權利;
(b) 在上述作為或其準備工作已在某業務的過程中作出的情況下─
(i) 就個人而言─
(A) 是將作出該項作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於死亡時轉傳的權利;或
(B) 在該項作為或其準備工作已是在業務的過程中作出的情況下,是授權他當其時在該業務中的任何合夥人作出該項作為的權利;
(ii) 就法人團體而言,是將作出該作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於該團體解散時轉傳

的權利, 而憑藉本款作出該作為,不構成對申請人在已發表的有關專利的申請下所具有的權利的侵犯。

(4) 第(3)款所指明的權利不包括批予任何人特許以作出第(2)款所提述的作為的權利。

(5)凡任何產品是在行使第(3)款所賦予的權利下被處置而轉予另一人的,則該另一人和任何透過他提出申索的人,可用猶如該產品已由該項專利申請中的申請人處置一樣的同一方法處理該產品。

(6)本條就已有申請就其提出的發明的政府徵用而適用,一如其就對該項發明提出的標準專利

的申請的發表所賦權利的侵犯而適用。 [比照 1992 No. 1 s. 55(2) to (4) Eire]

條: 36 申請的撤回、修訂等的時限 30/06/1997

根據第32條提出的申請的撤回、根據第22(1)條將分開的申請的紀錄記入的請求及根據第31條作出的任何修訂,均不得在將依據有關申請獲批予的標準專利的說明書的發表的準備工作已根據第27(3)條完成的日期後獲容許。

條: 37 處長可拒絕根據第 20條作出記錄或拒絕根據第 27條作出註冊與批予 30/06/1997

(1)如處長認為屬標準專利的申請的標的之發明因第93(5)條所指明的任何事宜﹐而並非屬可享專利的發明,則他可拒絕根據第20(1)條記錄任何指定專利申請或拒絕根據第27條將任何指定專利註冊。

(2) 處長須給予申請人任何上述拒絕的書面通知。

條: 38 標準專利已獲批予下的當作提交日期 30/06/1997

第IV部

關於批予後的專利的條文

標準專利

凡標準專利已獲批予,該標準專利的申請須當作以其相應指定專利申請的提交日期為其提交日期,而在本條例中,“當作提交日期”(deemed date of filing) 就標準專利的申請而言亦須據此解釋。

條: 39 標準專利的有效期 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(1) 根據本條例批予的標準專利─

(a) 須自官方公報刊登其批予的事實的公告的日期起生效;及 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
(b)在符合第(2)款的規定下,須維持有效,直至自該項專利的申請的當作提交日期起計的20年期終止為止。
  1. 如意欲在自第(3)款所指明的日期起計第3年或繼後的任何一年屆滿後將任何標準專利再維持有效一年,則訂明的續期費須在該第3年或繼後的一年(視屬何情況而定)屆滿前(但不得早於屆滿的日期前3個月)繳付;如該續期費沒有如此繳付,則標準專利在該第3年或該繼後的一年屆滿時須停止有效。
  2. 為施行第(2)款而指明的日期,是批予該標準專利的日期後標準專利的當作提交日期的第一個周年的日期。
    1. 如續期費及任何訂明的附加費已在第(2)款所指明的繳付續期費的期限終止後的6個月內繳付,則該標準專利須被視為猶如從未期滿一樣,而據此─
      1. (a) 在該進一步的期間內根據或關乎該專利而作出的任何事情須屬有效;
      2. (b) 假使該專利未曾期滿便會構成對該專利的侵犯的任何作為,即構成該項侵犯;及
      3. (c) 假使該專利未曾期滿便會構成政府徵用該項專利發明的任何作為,即構成該徵用。
    1. 處長可藉規例修訂第(2)款所指明的期間,而繳付訂明的續期費的最早日期是參照該期間而決定的。
    2. (6) 行政長官會同行政會議可藉規例修訂─ (由1999年第22號第3條修訂)
      1. (a) 第(1)(b)款所指明的期間,即某一標準專利須維持有效的期間;
      2. (b) 第(2)款所指明的期間,而任何標準專利如未予續期,則須參照該期間而停止有效。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 25 U.K.]
  3. 凡某標準專利已因任何續期費沒有如第39條所規定般繳付而停止生效,則可在該專利停止有效的日期後的18個月內的任何時間向處長提出恢復該專利的申請。
    1. 本條所指的申請可由在該專利停止生效時屬其所有人的人提出,或由假使該專利沒有停止生效本會享有該專利的任何其他人提出;而凡該專利當時是由2人或多於2人共同持有的,則該項申請可在處長的許可下由他們當中的一人或多於一人(但無須加入其餘的人)提出。 (由1998年第312號法律公告修訂)
    2. (3) 處長須在官方公報刊登任何根據本條提出的申請的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
    1. 如處長信納申請人雖已採取在有關情況下所需的所有合理謹慎措施,但仍發生沒有如第39條所規定般繳付任何續期費或沒有在該期間終止後的6個月內根據該條繳付該項費用及任何附加費之事,則在任何上述未予繳付的續期費及任何訂明的附加費繳付後,處長須命令恢復該專利。
      1. (5) 根據本條作出命令可受限於處長認為合適的條款及條件。 [比照 1949 c. 87 s. 28 U.K.; 1977 c. 37 s. 28 U.K.; EPC Art. 122]
      2. (1) 恢復標準專利的命令的效力如下。
    1. 在標準專利期滿至該專利恢復的期間內所作出的任何事情,凡在假使該專利沒有期滿的情況下便會構成一項侵犯者,則該事情─
    2. (a) 如在其作出之時該專利是有可能根據第39(4)條續期的;或
  4. (b) 如屬一項較早的侵犯行為的延續或再犯, 該事情即須視為一項侵犯。
    1. 凡在該專利不再可能如上述般續期之後而在官方公報刊登根據第40條提出恢復申請的公告之前,任何人─ (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
    2. (a) 在香港真誠地開始作出假使該專利仍然有效便會構成對該專利的侵犯的任何作為;或
  5. (b) 在香港真誠地作出有效而認真的準備工作以作出上述作為, 則他具有第(4)款所指明的權利。

(4) 第(3)款所提述的權利─

(a) 是作出或繼續作出(視屬何情況而定)第(3)款所提述的作為的權利;
(b) 在該項作為或其準備工作已在某業務的過程中作出的情況下─
(i) 就個人而言─
(A) 是將作出該項作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於死亡時轉傳的權利;或
(B) 在該項作為或其準備工作已是該業務的過程中作出的情況下,是授權他當其時在該業務中的任何合夥人作出該項作為的權利;
(ii) 就法人團體而言,是將作出該作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於該團體解散時轉傳的權利,

而憑藉本款作出該作為,不構成對有關專利的侵犯。

  1. (5) 第(4)款所指明的權利不包括批予任何人特許以作出第(3)款所提述的作為的權利。
  2. 凡任何專利產品是在行使第(4)款所賦予的權利下被處置而轉予另一人的,則該另一人和任

何透過他提出申索的人,可用猶如該產品已由專利的註冊所有人處置一樣的同一方法處理該產品。 [比照 1992 No. 1 s. 55(2) to (5) Eire]

條: 42 對在批予前轉介的問題在批予後作出裁定 30/06/1997

(1)如任何人根據第13條將關乎標準專利或標準專利的申請的問題轉介處長或法院(不論是在該項專利的申請提出之前或之後轉介的),而該問題在該項申請就依據該項申請批予專利而言最初就緒之前未予裁定,則該事實不得阻止標準專利的批予,但在其批予時該人須被視為已根據第55條將該條所述的而處長或法院認為適當的任何問題轉介處長或法院。

(2)處長在根據第55條對任何上述問題作出裁定時,只可行使他為裁定根據第13條轉介予他的

同一問題所具有的權力。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 9 U.K.〕

條: 43 在指定專利當局進行反對或撤銷專利的法律程序後修訂標準專利 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004
  1. (1) 如在訂明的反對或撤銷專利的法律程序後,關乎根據第II部獲批予的標準專利的相應指定專利的說明書(不論在批予該標準專利之前或之後)已在指定專利當局修訂,則該標準專利的所有人須以訂明方式並在訂明期間內向處長提交一份經修訂的說明書或作出修訂的命令或其他訂明文件的核實副本。
    1. 處長須藉在註冊紀錄冊內記入適當的記項而將該項對指定專利的說明書所作的修訂記錄,而此項記錄一經作出,標準專利須視為已以同樣方式修訂。
        1. (3) 處長須在標準專利根據本條修訂後在切實可行範圍內盡快─
          1. (a) 發表該項修訂;
          2. (b) 在官方公報刊登該項修訂的事實的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
      1. (4) 根據本條對標準專利的說明書作出的任何修訂,須自批予該專利的日期起具有效力。
      2. (5) 根據本條對標準專利的說明書作出的任何修訂,須在不抵觸第103條的規定下具有效力。 [比照 EPC Art. 102]
  2. 凡標準專利的相應指定專利已在指定專利當局進行訂明的反對或撤銷專利的法律程序後被撤銷,本條適用於該標準專利。
  3. 本條適用的專利的所有人須在指定專利當局發表專利的撤銷後,以訂明方式向處長提交一份撤銷專利的命令或其他訂明文件的核實副本。
  4. 處長須記錄第(2)款所指的提交,並須在官方公報刊登該項提交的事實的公告。(由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
  5. 任何並非本條所適用的專利所有人的人,可以訂明方式向處長申請一項本款下的命令,而處長如因應該項申請信納該專利是本條所適用的一項專利,他須在符合第(5)款的規定下命令將該專利撤銷。
條: 44 在指定專利當局進行反對或撤銷專利的法律程序後撤銷標準專利 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(5)處長如認為合適,可將根據第(4)款提出的任何申請轉介法院,而法院須具有作出撤銷專利的命令的司法管轄權。

(6)在處長於官方公報刊登由專利所有人根據第(2)款提交文件的事實的公告時,或在由處長根據第(4)款或由法院根據第(5)款作出撤銷專利的命令時,該專利須視為從未具有效力。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)

[比照 EPC Art. 102]

條: 45 述及發明人 30/06/1997

關於專利的一般條文

  1. 任何發明的發明人或共同發明人均具有在就該項發明而批予的任何專利中被述為發明人的權利。
    1. 凡任何人已依據本條被述為唯一或共同發明人,則任何其他人如指稱該人不應被如此述及,該另一人可在該專利的批予後的任何時間請求處長作出其意如此的裁斷;如處長作出如此的裁斷,他須據此修訂註冊紀錄冊和任何未分發的專利的文本,並可發出一份意思如其裁斷的證明書。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 13 U.K.;1992 No. 1 s. 17 Eire〕
  2. 除第103條另有規定外,根據本條例批予的專利的所有人可向法院申請修訂該專利的說明書,而法院可藉命令容許在符合法院認為合適的條件下,作出任何該等修訂。
  3. 如在法院有任何法律程序仍然待決,而在該法律程序中該專利的有效性可能成為爭論點,則不得容許作出任何該等修訂。
  4. 根據本條對任何專利的說明書作出的修訂須具有效力,並須當作自該專利的批予起一直具有效力。
  5. 任何人意欲反對根據本條提出的申請,可按照法院規則給予法院反對的通知;而法院在決定是否應申請容許修訂時,須考慮該項反對。
  6. 在收到以訂明方式提交的法院命令及證明文件後,處長須記錄對該專利的說明書作出的修訂,並須將其發表和在官方公報刊登該事實的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
  7. 處長可在沒有任何申請為上述目的向法院或向他提出的情況下,修訂專利的說明書,藉以承認某註冊商標。
條: 46 在批予後修訂說明書的一般權力 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(7)法院規則可就將根據本條提出的任何申請通知處長訂定條文,並可就處長因應該項申請而

應訊和就實施法院因應該項申請所作出的任何命令,訂定條文。 (由1998年第312號法律公告修訂) [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 27 U.K.]

條: 47 專利不得因欠缺單一性而遭責難 30/06/1997

任何人不可在任何法律程序中以某一專利的說明書內所載的權利要求的現行版本或按建議修訂的版本(視屬何情況而定)是關乎─

(a) 多於一項發明的;或
(b) 並非互有聯繫以組成單一項發明構思的一組發明的,

為理由,反對該項專利或反對該項專利的說明書的任何修訂。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 26 U.K.〕

條: 48 專利的放棄 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

(1) 專利的所有人可隨時藉給予處長的書面通知而提議放棄其專利。

  1. 任何人可將他對所有人根據本條放棄某專利的反對通知處長,而如他如此行事,處長須通知該專利的所有人,並除於第(4)款所述情況外,須對此問題作出裁定。
    1. 如處長信納該專利可妥當地被放棄,他可接納該項提議,而自其接納的公告於官方公報刊登的日期起,該專利即停止有效,但任何人不得就在該日期前所作的任何作為而提起侵犯專利的訴訟,而獲得補償的權利亦不得就在該日期前有關的專利發明的任何政府徵用而產生。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
    2. (4) 處長如認為合適,可將上述事宜轉介法院裁定。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 29 U.K.]
    1. 在某專利已根據本條例就一項發明而批予後,任何人可於任何時間將在顧及第93(5)條所指明的任何事宜後,該項發明是否一項可享專利的發明的問題轉介處長。
    2. (2) 凡任何問題經如此轉介,則─
      1. (a) 除(b)段另有規定外,處長須對該問題作出裁定;
      2. (b)處長如認為合適,可將該問題轉介法院裁定,而在不損害法院除根據本段外對任何該等問題作出裁定的司法管轄權的原則下,法院須具有司法管轄權對經如此轉介的問題作出裁定。
  2. 如處長或法院因第93(5)條所指明的任何事宜而裁定該項發明並非一項可享專利的發明,則處長或法院須命令撤銷該專利,而一經作出該項命令,該專利即視為從未具有效力。
條: 49 處長以公共秩序或道德為理由撤銷專利的權力 30/06/1997

(4) 任何人均可反對根據第(2)款作出的轉介。

條: 50 專利及專利的申請的性質及交易 30/06/1997

第V部

專利及申請的產權;註冊

  1. (1) 任何專利或專利的申請屬非土地財產(但不屬據法權產),而任何專利或任何專利的申請以及在其中或在其下的權利均可按照第(2)至(7)款移轉、設定或批予。
  2. 除第54條另有規定外,任何專利或任何專利的申請,或在其中的任何權利,均可予以轉讓或按揭。
  3. 任何專利或任何專利的申請或權利須藉法律的實施而歸屬,其方式與任何其他非土地財產相同,並可藉遺產代理人的允許而歸屬。
    1. 除第54條另有規定外,可根據專利或專利的申請批予特許,以實施屬該專利或該申請的標的之發明;且─
      1. (a)可在有關特許所規定的範圍內,根據任何該等特許批予再授特許,而任何該等特許或再授特許均可予以轉讓或按揭;及
      2. (b)任何該等特許或再授特許須藉法律的實施而歸屬,其方式與任何其他非土地財產相同,並可藉遺產代理人的允許而歸屬。
      1. (5) 第(2)至(4)款須在不抵觸本條例的情況下具有效力。
      2. (6) 任何以下交易─
    2. (a)任何專利或專利的申請的任何轉讓或按揭,或在任何專利或專利的申請中的任何權利的任何轉讓或按揭;
  4. (b) 與任何專利或專利的申請或權利有關的任何允許, 除非是以書面作出的,且由轉讓人、按揭人或批予此項允許的一方(視屬何情況而定)或任何上述人士的代表簽署(或就由遺產代理人作出的允許或其他交易而言,由該遺產代理人或其代表簽署),或就法人團體而言,由該法人團體如上述般簽署或蓋上該法人團體的印章,否則須屬無效。
    1. 任何專利或專利的申請的轉讓或該專利或申請中某份額的轉讓,以及根據任何專利或專利的申請批予的專用特許,均可將轉讓人或特許發出人憑藉第80或88條就任何過往的侵犯或根據第72條就任何過往的作為提起法律程序的權利,賦予受讓人或特許持有人。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 30 U.K.〕
    1. 處長須備存一本名為專利註冊紀錄冊的註冊紀錄冊,它須符合為施行本條訂立的規則,並須按照該等規則備存。
    2. (2) 在不損害本條例的任何其他條文的原則下─
        1. (a) 須訂立規則以就以下項目的註冊訂定條文─
          1. (i) 專利和已發表的標準專利的申請;及
          2. (ii) 影響在專利和標準專利的已發表的申請之中或之下的權利的交易、文書或事件;
        1. (b) 為施行本條而訂立的規則可就與為施行(a)段而訂立的規則有關的以下事宜訂定條文─
          1. (i) 向處長呈交與任何須予註冊的事宜有關的任何訂明文件或任何訂明類別的文件;
          2. (ii) 更正在註冊紀錄冊內或在已提交予處長的任何與註冊有關的文件內的錯誤;及
          3. (iii) 發表和公告根據本條例作出的關乎註冊紀錄冊的任何事情;及
      1. (c)為施行本條而訂立的規則可就給予處長任何影響專利的申請中的產權的事宜的通知,作出規定。
    1. 儘管第(2)(a)(ii)款已有規定,不得在註冊紀錄冊內記入任何不論是明訂、默示或法律構定信託的通知,而處長不受任何此等通知影響。
      1. (4) 註冊紀錄冊無須以文件形式備存。
      2. (5) 除任何規則另有規定外,公眾有權在所有方便的時間在註冊處查閱註冊紀錄冊。
    1. 申請領取註冊紀錄冊內某記項的核證副本或該註冊紀錄冊的一份核證摘錄的任何人,須有權在繳付就核證副本及核證摘錄而訂明的費用後取得該副本或摘錄;且規則可規定申請領取未經核證的副本或摘錄的任何人,須有權在繳付就未經核證的副本或摘錄而訂明的費用後獲得該副本或摘錄。
      1. (7) 根據第(6)款或根據憑藉該款訂立的規則提出的申請,須以訂明的方式提出。
        1. (8) 就註冊紀錄冊內並非以文件形式備存的任何部分而言─
          1. (a) 第(5)款所賦予的查閱的權利,為查閱註冊紀錄冊內的材料的權利;及
          2. (b)第(6)款或規則所賦予的領取副本或摘錄的權利,為領取以可看見和可閱讀並可取去的形式備存的副本或摘錄的權利。
  5. 在不抵觸第(12)款的條文下,註冊紀錄冊須為本條例規定須註冊或授權可註冊的任何事物的表面證據。
  6. 任何證明書如看來是由處長簽署的,並核證他獲本條例授權記入的記項已記入或沒有記入,或核證他獲如此授權作出的任何其他事情已作出或沒有作出,須為經如此核證的事宜的表面證據。

(11) 以下每一項─

(a) 根據第(6)款提供的註冊紀錄冊內的記項的副本或註冊紀錄冊的摘錄;
(b)備存於註冊處的任何文件的副本或任何此等文件的摘錄、任何專利的說明書或任何已

發表的標準專利的申請, 如看來是核證副本或核證摘錄,則在不抵觸第(12)款的條文下,須獲接納為證據而無須進一步證明,亦無須出示正本。

(12)本條並不影響《證據條例》(第8章)第22A或22B條或第IV部的條文,亦不影響憑藉該第22A或22B條或該部而訂立的任何條文。 (由1999年第2號第6條代替)

(13) 在本條中,“核證副本”(certified copy) 及“核證摘錄”(certified extract) 指由處長核證並蓋

上處長印章的副本或摘錄。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 32 U.K.]

    1. 聲稱已憑藉本條所適用的任何交易、文書或事件而取得在某專利或專利的申請中的產權的任何人,相對於聲稱已憑藉本條所適用的任何較早的交易、文書或事件而取得該產權的任何其他人而言,如在上述較後的交易、文書或事件發生時─
    2. (a) 有以下其中一種情況─
      1. (i) 將該較早的交易、文書或事件註冊的申請沒有提出;或
      2. (ii) 就任何沒發表的標準專利的申請或任何短期專利的申請而言,該較早的交易,文書或事件的通知沒有按照根據第51(2)(c)條訂立的規則(如有的話)給予處長;及
  1. (b) 根據該較後的交易、文書或事件作出聲稱的人不知道有該較早的交易、文書或事件, 則該人而非該其他人須享有該產權。
  2. 凡任何人聲稱已憑藉本條所適用的交易、文書或事件而取得在某專利或專利的申請中或在某專利或專利的申請下的任何權利,且該權利是與憑藉本條所適用的較早的交易、文書或事件而取得的任何此等權利有所抵觸的,則第(1)款亦同樣適用於該情況。

(3) 本條適用於以下交易、文書及事件─

(a) 專利或專利的申請或其中的權利的轉讓;
(b) 專利或申請的按揭或批予其上的抵押;
(c)在專利或申請下的特許或再授特許的批予或轉讓,或在專利或申請下的特許或再授特許的按揭;
(d)任何上述專利或申請的所有人或其中一名所有人或具有在專利或申請中或在專利或申請下的權利的任何人的死亡,以及藉遺產代理人的允許而作出的專利或申請或任何上述權利的歸屬;及
(e)法院或其他主管當局所作的將某專利或申請或在該專利或申請中或在該專利或申請下的任何權利移轉予任何人的任何命令或指示,以及法院或主管當局已有權作出任何該等命令或給予任何該等指示所憑藉的事件。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 33 U.K.〕

(1)法院可因應任何感到受屈人士的申請,命令藉在註冊紀錄冊內記入記項,或藉更改或刪除在註冊紀錄冊內的任何記項而更正該註冊紀錄冊。

(2)在根據本條進行的法律程序中,法院可對與註冊紀錄冊的更正有關而需要或適宜作出決定

的任何問題,作出裁定。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 34 U.K.〕

  1. 凡某一專利是批予2人或多於2人的,除非有任何相反的協議,否則他們每人須享有在該專利中相等的不分割份數。
  2. 凡有2人或多於2人為某一專利的所有人,則在符合本條的規定下及除任何協議已有相反規定外,他們每人均有權由其本人或其代理人為其本身的利益與在沒有其他人同意亦無須向其他所有人交代的情況下,就有關發明作出任何若非因本款以及第68及69條的規定便會構成侵犯有關專利的作為;而任何該等作為不構成對有關專利的侵犯。
  3. 在符合第13及55條的規定下及除當其時有效的任何協議另有規定外,凡有2人或多於2人為某一專利的所有人,他們其中一人不得在沒有得到另一人或其餘的人的同意下批予在該專利下的特許或將該專利中的份額轉讓或按揭。
  4. 在符合該等條文的規定下,凡有2人或多於2人為某一專利的所有人,任何其他人均可向該等人士的其中一人提供與該項發明的任何重要因素有關的方法,以令該項發明發揮效用,而憑藉本款提供此等方法並不構成對該專利的侵犯。
  5. 凡專利產品是由2名或多於2名所有人中的任何一名所有人處置而轉予任何人的,則該人或透過該人提出申索的任何其他人須有權以同一方法處理該產品,猶如該產品已由唯一的註冊所有人處置一樣。
    1. 第(1)或(2)款不影響受託人或死者的遺產代理人的相互權利或義務,或他們作為受託人或遺產代理人的權利或義務。
    2. (7) 本條須就所提交的專利的申請而具有效力,一如本條就專利而具有效力,而─
      1. (a)凡提述某一專利和某一專利獲批予,須據此分別包括提述任何該等申請和該等申請已予提交;及
      2. (b) 在第(5)款中提述專利產品,須據此解釋。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 36 U.K.; EPC Art. 59〕
    1. 在已就一項發明批予專利後,任何具有或聲稱具有在該專利中或該專利下的所有權權益的人可將以下問題轉介法院─
      1. (a) 誰是該專利的真正所有人;
      2. (b) 已獲批予該專利的人是否應獲批予該專利;或
    1. (c) 是否應將在該專利中或該專利下的任何權利移轉予或批予任何其他人, 而法院須對上述問題作出裁定,並須作出它認為合適的命令以執行該裁定。
    2. (2) 在不損害第(1)款的一般性的原則下,根據該款作出的命令可載有條文以─
      1. (a)指示須將根據該款作出轉介的人包括在已註冊為該專利的所有人的人士之中(不論是否豁除任何其他人);
      2. (b)指示將某一交易、文書或事件註冊,而該人是憑藉該交易、文書或事件而取得在該專利中或該專利下的任何權利的;
      3. (c) 批予在該專利中或該專利下的任何特許或其他權利;
      4. (d)指示該專利的所有人或具有在該專利中或該專利下的任何權利的人作出在該命令中指明所需作出的任何事情,以執行該命令的其他條文。
    1. 如已根據第(2)(d)款獲發給指示的任何人,沒有在載有該等指示的命令的日期後的14日內作出為執行任何該等指示所需作出的任何事情,則法院可因應載有該等指示的命令所惠及的任何人或是因其轉介而作出該命令的任何人向法院提出的申請,授權他代表獲發給該等指示的人作出該事
    2. 情。
    1. 凡法院因應根據本條作出的一項轉介而裁斷獲批予有關專利的人是無權(不論是單獨或連同其他人)獲批予該專利的,並因應根據第91條提出的申請而基於該理由作出有條件或無條件撤銷該專利的命令,則法院可命令提出該項申請的人或其所有權繼承人可在符合第103條的規定下,就以下事宜提出新的專利的申請─
      1. (a) 就無條件的撤銷而言,該專利的說明書所包含的全部事宜;及
      2. (b)就有條件的撤銷而言,法院認為應藉根據第102條所作的修訂而豁除於該說明書外的事宜。
    2. (5) 凡有新的專利的申請根據第(4)款提出,該項申請須被為─
      1. (a) 已於該項轉介所關乎的申請的提交日期提交;及
      2. (b)具有與該項轉介所關乎的申請相同的提交日期,而凡根據本條作出的轉介是關於某一標準專利的,須被視為具有與該項轉介所關乎的申請相同的當作提交日期。
    1. 凡根據本條作出的轉介是關於某一標準專利的,則法院可就任何根據第(4)款提出的新的申請作出以下命令─
      1. (a) 第15(2)或(3)或23(3)或(4)條的所有或任何規定須予免除;及
      2. (b)提出該項新的申請的人須為該項申請的目的當作已提交一項記錄請求,該請求與上述轉介所關乎的專利的申請中的記錄請求具有相同的提交日期。
  6. 如任何第(4)款所述的轉介是在自批予日期起計的2年結束後作出的,則除非已證明任何註冊為該專利的所有人的人在該項批予時或在該專利移轉予他時(視屬何情況而定)已知悉他無權享有該專利,否則不得以獲批予該項轉介所關乎的專利的人無權獲如此批予為理由,而根據本條作出移轉該專利的任何命令,亦不得以上述理由根據第(4)款作出任何命令。
    1. 凡有任何問題根據本條轉介法院,除非該項轉介的通知已給予所有註冊為該專利的所有人的人或所有註冊為具有在該專利中或該專利下的權利的人(但不包括身為該項轉介的一方的人士),否則不得就該項轉介憑藉第(2)款或根據第(4)款作出任何命令。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 37 U.K.〕
  7. 凡根據第55條作出的命令規定須將某一專利從任何人或人等(舊所有人)移轉予一名或多於一名人士(不論是否包括舊所有人),則除屬第(2)款所指的情況外,舊所有人所批予或設定的任何特許或其他權利須在符合第50條和該命令的條文的規定下繼續有效,且須被視為是由因該命令而獲移轉該專利的人或人等(新所有人)所批予的。
  8. 凡任何經如此作出的命令規定須將某一專利自舊所有人移轉予一名或多於一名人士(理由是獲批予該專利的人無權獲批予該專利)而該名或該等人士之中沒有人是舊所有人,則在該專利中或該專利下的任何特許或其他權利須在符合該命令的條文及第(3)款的規定下,在該人或該等人註冊為該專利的新所有人時失效。
    1. 凡任何經如此作出的命令規定須將某一專利如第(2)款所述般移轉,或規定除舊所有人外的任何人可提出新的專利的申請,而在根據第55條轉介問題一事(並導致作出該命令者)予以註冊前,該專利的舊所有人或特許持有人已在香港真誠地實施所涉的發明,或已真誠地作出有效而認真的準備工作以如此實施,則只要有關發明是新的申請的標的,該或該等舊所有人或該特許持有人在向新所有人於訂明期間內作出請求時,須有權獲批予特許(但非專用特許)以實施或繼續實施(視屬何情況而定)該項發明。
    2. (4) 任何上述特許須按合理條款批予和為期一段合理期間。
  9. 上述專利的新所有人或任何聲稱有權獲批予任何上述特許的人,可將該人是否有此權利和任何上述期間或條款是否合理的問題轉介予法院,而法院須對該問題作出裁定,且法院如認為適

當,可命令批予該特許。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 38 U.K.〕

第VI部

僱員的發明

(1)即使在任何法律規則中另有規定,就本條例的目的和一切其他目的而言,一名僱員所作出的任何發明,如─

(a)是在該僱員的正常職務過程中作出的,或是在他的正常職務以外但屬明確地指派予他的職務過程中作出的,且兩者的情況均可使人合理地預期某項發明可從其職務的執行中產生;或
(b)是在該僱員的職務過程中作出的,且在作出該項發明時,因其職務的性質以及因其職

務的性質而產生的特定責任,該僱員有特殊義務促進其僱主的業務利益, 則該項發明在該僱員與其僱主之間須視為屬於其僱主的。

    1. 就上述目的而言,一名僱員所作出的任何其他發明,在該僱員與其僱主之間須視為屬於該僱員的。
    2. (3) 凡任何發明在某一僱員與其僱主之間憑藉本條而屬於該僱員的,則─
    3. (a) 該僱員或其代表或藉着該僱員提出申索的任何人為謀求一項專利申請;或
  1. (b) 任何人為實行或實施該項發明, 而作的任何事情,均不得視為侵犯關乎該項發明的任何模型或文件中的任何受保護的布圖設計(拓樸圖)的權利,而該權利在該僱員與其僱主之間是由其僱主所享有的。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 39 U.K.〕

(1) 凡法院因應某僱員在訂明期間內提出的申請而覺得─

(a) 該僱員已作出一項屬於僱主的並已獲批予專利的發明;
(b) (在顧及僱主的業務的規模及性質以及其他事情後)該專利對該僱主有顯著的利益;及

(c) 由於該等事實,該僱員獲判給由其僱主支付的補償是公平的, 則法院可判給該僱員根據第59條釐定的某一款額的補償。

(2) 凡法院因應某僱員在訂明期間內提出的申請而覺得─

(a) 已就一項由該僱員作出的並屬於該僱員的發明批予專利;
(b)該僱員在該項發明中或在該項發明的專利或專利的申請中的權利,已自本條的生效日期起轉讓予其僱主;或在該專利下或專利的申請下的專用特許,已自本條的生效日期起批予其僱主;
(c)在顧及該個案的全部情況(包括轉讓或批予的合約或任何附屬合約(“有關合約”)中的條款)後,相對於其僱主從該專利得到的利益,該僱員從有關合約得到的利益屬不足;及
(d)由於該等事實,該僱員除了從有關合約得到的利益外,另獲判給由僱主支付的補償是

公平的, 則法院可判給該僱員根據第59條釐定的某一款額的補償。

  1. (3) 即使在該有關合約或適用於該項發明的任何協議中另有規定,第(2)款仍具有效力。
  2. 在本條中,凡提述一項屬於僱主或僱員的發明,即為提述該項發明在該僱主與僱員之間屬

於該方。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 40 U.K.〕

    1. 就一項發明的專利而根據第58(1)或(2)條判給一名僱員的補償,須為確保該僱員在該僱主從以下項目或可合理預期從以下項目得到的利益中將會(在顧及全部情況後)取得一公平份額的補償─(由1998年第312號法律公告修訂)
      1. (a) 該專利;或
        1. (b) 將─
          1. (i) 該項發明中的產權或任何權利;或
          2. (ii) 在該項專利的申請中的產權,或在該項申請中或申請下的任何權利, 轉讓予或批予一名與該僱主有關連的人。
    2. (2) 為施行第(1)款,僱主將─
    3. (a) (i) 在該項發明的專利中的產權,或在該項專利中或專利下的任何權利;或
    4. (ii) 在該項專利的申請中的產權,或在該項申請中或申請下的任何權利;或
  1. (b) 在該項發明中的產權或任何權利, 轉讓予或批予一名與其有關連的人而得到的或可合理預期得到的任何利益的款額,須視為假如該人不曾與該僱主有關連則可合理地預期該僱主如此得到的款額。
    1. 如一項發明的專利一直是屬於一名僱主的,則在就該專利而釐定該僱員將確保取得的上述利益的公平份額時,法院除須考慮其他事情外,亦須考慮以下事宜─
      1. (a)該僱員的職務的性質、他的薪酬和他從他的工作得到的或已得到的或就該項發明根據本條例已得到的其他利益;
      2. (b) 該僱員在作出該項發明方面所獻出的努力和技能;
      3. (c)任何其他人在與該有關的僱員共同作出該項發明方面所獻出的努力和技能,以及並非該項發明的共同發明人的任何其他僱員所貢獻的意見和其他協助;及
      4. (d)該僱主藉提供意見、設施及其他協助,以及藉提供機會和藉其管理和商業技能及活動而對該項發明的作出、發展和實施所作出的貢獻。
    1. 如某項發明的專利原本是屬於一名僱員的,則在就該專利而釐定該僱員將確保取得的上述利益的公平份額時,法院除須考慮其他事情外,亦須考慮以下事宜─
      1. (a)就該項發明或該專利而根據本條例或在其他情況下批予的一項或多於一項特許中的任何條件;
      2. (b) 該項發明中屬該僱員與任何其他人共同作出的範圍;及
      3. (c) 該僱主在第(3)(d)款所述的對該項發明的作出、發展和實施所作出的貢獻。
  2. 根據第58條作出的支付補償的任何命令,可以是一項支付一整筆款項的命令或一項定期付款的命令,或兩者兼付的命令。
  3. 在不損害《釋義及通則條例》(第1章)第39(1)條的原則下,法院拒絕因應一名僱員根據第58條提出的申請作出任何上述命令,並不阻止該僱員或其所有權繼承人根據該條提出進一步的申請。

(7)凡法院已作出任何上述命令,則法院可因應該僱主或僱員的申請,更改或撤銷該命令或暫

停執行該命令的任何條文,以及使任何經如此暫停執行的條文恢復執行。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 41 U.K.〕

(1) 本條適用於關乎由僱員作出的發明的任何合約(不論何時訂立),而該合約是由該僱員─

(a) 與其僱主(單獨或連同另一人)訂立的;或
(b) 在僱主的要求下或依據該僱員的僱傭合約與其他人訂立的。

(2)在本條適用的合約中,如有任何條款消損有關僱員在任何種類的發明中的權利,而該項發明是該僱員在本條的生效日期後和在該合約的日期後作出的,或該條款消損該僱員在該等發明的專利中或該等專利下或該等專利的申請中或該等申請下的權利,則該條款在其消損該僱員在經如此作出的該種類的發明中的權利的範圍內,或在其消損該僱員在該等發明的專利中或該等專利下或該等專利的申請中或該等申請下的權利的範圍內,不得對該僱員強制執行。

  1. (3) 第(2)款不損害僱員憑藉任何法律規則或其他方面而須對其僱主負有的保密責任。
  2. 本條適用於與公職人員在執行其職務過程中作出的任何安排,一如其適用於在僱員與僱主

(政府除外)之間訂立的任何合約。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 42 U.K.〕

詳列交互參照: 第57,58,59,60條

(1) 第57至60條不適用於在本條例的生效日期前作出的發明。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第57,58,59,60條 *〉

(2) 除非在僱員作出一項發明時,就其個案而言以下任何一項條件已獲符合─

(a) 該僱員主要受僱於香港;或
(b)該僱員沒有主要受僱於任何地方或其受僱的地方不能確定,但其僱主在香港有一業務

地址,而該僱員是隸屬該地址(不論他是否亦隸屬其他地方)的, 否則第57至60條不適用於該僱員作出的發明。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第57,58,59,60條 *〉

    1. 在第57至60條及本條中,除文意另有所指外,凡提述一名僱員作出一項發明,即提述他單獨作出或與任何其他人共同作出該項發明,但並不包括提述他在另一名僱員作出一項發明中僅獻出意見或其他協助的。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第57,58,59,60條 *〉
    2. (4) 在第57至60條中,凡提述─ 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第57,58,59,60條 *〉
      1. (a)某一專利,即提述根據不論是香港的法律或是任何其他國家、地區或地方內現行有效的法律或是任何條約或國際公約就一項發明而批予的專利或給予的其他形式的保護;
      2. (b)某一專利已獲批予,即提述該專利已根據不論是香港的法律或是任何其他國家、地區或地方內現行有效的法律或是任何條約或是國際公約獲批予。
  1. 為施行第58及59條,凡僱主在就某一專利而根據第58條作出任何判給前死亡,則他從該專利得到的或預期從該專利得到的利益,須包括由其遺產代理人或藉該等遺產代理人的允許而獲轉歸該專利的人從該專利得到的或預期從該專利得到的利益。
    1. 凡任何僱員在就他所作出的專利發明而根據第58條作出一項判給前死亡,則其遺產代理人或該等遺產代理人的所有權繼承人,可行使該僱員根據該條第(1)或(2)款提出或繼續進行補償申請的權利。
    2. (7) 在第58及59條以及本條中,“利益”(benefit) 指金錢利益或金錢等值的利益。
    1. (8) 在第59(2)條中─ “有關連的人”(person connected with) 就一名僱主而言─
        1. (a) 凡該僱主是一個自然人,指─
          1. (i) 該僱主的任何親屬;
          2. (ii) 該僱主的任何合夥人及該合夥人的任何親屬;
          3. (iii) 該僱主是其中一名合夥人的任何合夥;
          4. (iv)由該僱主或由該僱主的一名合夥人或由該僱主是其中一名合夥人的合夥控制的任何法團;
          5. (v) 在第(iv)節中提述的任何該等法團的任何董事或主要人員;
        1. (b) 凡該僱主是一個法團,指─
          1. (i) 任何有聯繫法團;
          2. (ii) 任何控制該法團的人及該人的任何合夥人;凡該兩人中任何一人是自然人,則亦指該人的任何親屬;
          3. (iii) 該法團或任何有聯繫法團的任何董事或主要人員,以及任何該等董事或人員的任何親屬;
          4. (iv) 該法團的任何合夥人;凡該合夥人是一個自然人,則亦指該合夥人的任何親屬;
        1. (c) 凡該僱主是一個合夥,指─
          1. (i) 該合夥的任何合夥人(而凡該合夥人是一個合夥,則亦指該合夥的任何合夥人)、該合夥所屬的任何其他合夥的任何合夥人(而凡該合夥人是一個合夥,則亦指該合夥的任何合夥人);凡本節提及的任何合夥的任何合夥人或與任何該等合夥共同經營的任何合夥人或在任何該等合夥中的任何合夥人是一個自然人,則亦指該合夥人的任何親屬;
          2. (ii) 由該合夥或由該合夥的任何合夥人控制的任何法團,凡該合夥人是一個自然人,則亦指該合夥人的任何親屬;
          3. (iii) 該合夥的任何合夥人是其董事或主要人員的任何法團;
    1. (iv) 在第(ii)節中提述的法團的任何董事或主要人員; 而就該定義而言─ “主要人員”(principal officer) 指─
      1. (a)受僱於任何法團而在各董事的直接授權下單獨或與另一人或多於一人共同負責經營該法團的業務的人;或
      2. (b)如此受僱而在該法團的任何董事或(a)段所適用的任何人的直接授權下就該法團而行使

管理職能的人; “有聯繫法團”(associated corporation) 就一個人而言─

(a) 指受該人控制的任何法團;
(b) 如該人是一個法團,則指─

(i) 控制該人的任何法團;或

(ii) 與該人受同一人所控制的任何法團; “控制”(control) 就一個法團而言,指一個人─

(a)藉著持有在該法團或任何其他法團的股份或持有與該法團或任何其他法團有關的股份,或藉著具有該法團或任何其他法團的投票權或具有與該法團或任何其他法團有關的投票權;或

(b) 憑藉規管該法團或任何其他法團的組織章程細則或其他文件所授予的任何權力, 以確保首述法團的事務按照該人的意願處理的權力;

“親屬”(relative)指有關人士的配偶、父母、子女、兄弟或姊妹;而在追溯此等關係時,領養的子女須當作既是其親生父母的子女,亦是其領養父母的子女,而繼子女則須當作既是其親生父母的子女,亦是其任何繼父母的子女。

第VII部

有關專利產品等的合約

    1. 除本條另有規定外,為供應某一專利產品的合約或為實施某一專利發明的特許中的任何條件或條款,或與任何該類供應或特許有關的合約中的任何條件或條款,在以下情況下均屬無效─
      1. (a)就有關供應的合約而言,有關條件或條款本意是規定獲得供應的人須從供應人或其代名人取得除該專利產品以外的任何其他東西,或禁止獲得供應的人從任何指明人士取得該等東西,或禁止獲得供應的人從供應人或其代名人以外的人取得該等東西;
      2. (b)就為實施專利發明的特許而言,有關條件或條款本意是規定特許持有人須從特許發出人或其代名人取得除屬該專利發明的產品以外的任何其他東西或(如該專利發明是一種方法)除藉該方法直接獲得的或已將該方法應用於其中的任何產品以外的其他任何東西,或禁止特許持有人從任何指明人士取得該等東西,或禁止特許持有人從特許發出人或其代名人以外的人取得該等東西;
      3. (c)就上述兩者的任何一者而言,有關條件或條款本意是禁止獲得供應的人或特許持有人使用並非由供應人或特許發出人或其代名人供應的物品(不論是否屬專利產品)或並非屬於供應人或特許發出人或其代名人的專利方法,或本意是限制獲得供應的人或特許持有人在使用任何該等物品或方法方面的權利。
    2. (2) 第(1)款不適用於在本條的生效日期前所訂立的合約或所批予的特許。
    1. 在為對某一專利的侵犯而針對任何人提起的法律程序中,如證明在該專利遭侵犯時,有與該專利有關的有效合約,而該合約是由原告人或在該原告人的同意下訂立的,或有一項在該專利下的有效特許,而該項特許是由該原告人或在該原告人同意下批予的,且上述兩者均載有一項憑藉本條而屬無效的條件或條款,即為一項免責辯護。
    2. (4) 如有以下情況,合約或特許中的任何條件或條款不得憑藉本條而屬無效─
      1. (a)在訂立該合約或批予該特許時,供應人或特許發出人願意在該合約或特許指明的合理的條款下和在沒有第(1)款提及的任何條件或條款的情況下,將該產品供應予或將實施該項發明的特許批予(視屬何情況而定)該獲得供應的人或特許持有人;及
      2. (b)根據該合約或特許,獲得供應的人或特許持有人有權在給予另一方3個月的書面通知以及向該另一方支付補償後(就有關供應的合約而言,該補償是就該合約的所餘有效期而支付的一筆款項或租金,而就一項特許而言,該補償是就該項特許的所餘有效期而支付的專利權費),解除其須遵守該條件或條款的法律責任,若雙方並無關於補償的協議,則其款額由雙方委任的仲裁人釐定。
  1. 如在任何法律程序中有人指稱某合約或特許中的任何條件或條款憑藉本條而屬無效,則須由供應人或特許發出人證明第(4)(a)款所列出的事宜。

(6) 合約或特許中的任何條件或條款─

(a) 不得僅由於該條件或條款禁止任何人出售除由指明人士供應的貨品以外的貨品;或
(b)就租用專利產品的合約或使用專利產品的特許而言,不得僅由於該條件或條款規定將供應專利產品的新部分的權利保留給寄貨人或特許發出人或其代名人,而該等新部分是維修或保養該專利產品所需的,

而憑藉本條屬無效。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 44 U.K.〕

(1) 本條適用於─

(a) 任何供應專利產品的合約;
(b) 任何實施專利發明的特許;或
(c) 任何關乎該等供應或特許的合約, 但在訂立該合約或批予該特許時,使該產品或發明受到保護的專利或全部專利均是已經停止有效的。
(2)
即使在該合約或特許中或在任何其他合約中有任何相反的規定,本條適用的合約或特許,在該合約或特許關乎該產品或發明的範圍內(並僅在該範圍內),可由合約任何一方給予另一方3個月的書面通知而終止。
(3) 在第(1)款中,“專利產品”(patented product) 及“專利發明”(patented invention) 分別包括屬一項專利的申請的標的之產品與發明;此外,凡任何該等產品或發明均受某一專利保護,且該專利是在訂立所涉的合約後或批予所涉的特許後因應在該時間前已提交的專利的申請而批予的,則該款須就該專利而適用,一如其適用於當時有效的專利一樣。
(4)
如因應屬第(1)款所指的合約或特許的其中任何一方根據本款所提出的申請,法院信納由於有關的專利已停止有效,規定申請人繼續遵守該合約或特許中的全部條款及條件會是不公正的,則法院可作出其認為在顧及該個案的全部情況後對雙方均屬公正的命令,更改該等條款或條件。
  1. (5) 本條的前述條文適用於不論是在本條的生效日期之前或之後訂立的合約或批予的特許。
  2. 本條的條文不損害關乎合約受挫失效的任何法律規則和可在本條以外行使的終止合約或特

許的任何權利。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 45 U.K.]

第VIII部

標準專利的強制性特許

    1. 在批予標準專利的日期起計3年屆滿後的任何時間,任何人均可基於第(2)款指明的一項或多於一項理由向法院申請─
      1. (a) 在該專利下的特許;
      2. (b) (凡申請人是政府)將在該專利下的特許批予在該項申請中指明的任何人。
    2. (2) 第(1)款所提述的理由如下─
      1. (a)在該項專利發明是能夠在香港作商業實施的情況下,該項發明並沒有作如此實施或並沒有在合理的切實可行範圍內盡量充分地作如此實施;
      2. (b)在該項專利發明是一件產品的情況下,在香港對該產品的需求並沒有在合理的條款下得到滿足;
        1. (c)在該項專利發明是能夠在香港藉製造而作商業實施的情況下,該項發明正因以下事項遭阻止或妨礙作如此實施─
          1. (i) 就任何產品而言,藉該產品的進口;或
          2. (ii) 就任何方法而言,藉採用該方法而直接獲得的產品的進口或已將該方法應用於其中的產品的進口;
        1. (d) 由於該專利的所有人拒絕在合理的條款下批予一項或多於一項特許,以致─
            1. (i) 任何其他專利發明在香港的實施或有效率的實施受到阻止或妨礙,而就該專利而
            2. 言該項發明涉及具有重大經濟意義的重要技術進展;或
          1. (ii) 在香港的商業或工業活動的成立或發展受到不公平的損害;或
      3. (e)由於該專利的所有人在該專利下的特許的批予方面、在該專利產品的處置或使用方面或在該專利方法的使用方面所施加的條件,以致不受該專利保護的物料的製造、使用或處置,或在香港的商業或工業活動的成立或發展,受到不公平的損害。
    1. 法院如信納該等理由中的任何一項理由成立,則可在第(4)及(5)款的規限下,命令在法院認為合適的條款下將特許批予─
      1. (a) 申請人(凡申請是根據第(1)(a)款提出的);或
      2. (b) 申請中指明的人(凡申請是根據第(1)(b)款提出的)。
  1. 凡提出申請所據的理由是某項專利發明並沒有在香港作商業實施或並沒有在合理的切實可行範圍內盡量充分地作如此實施,且法院覺得自官方公報刊登批予該專利的公告以來所經過的時間,因某些原因並不足以使該項發明作如此實施,則法院可將聆訊押後一段其認為將會給予足夠時間供該項發明作如此實施的期間。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
  2. 除非法院信納申請人已作出合理的努力以按合理的商業條款及條件獲得所有人的授權,並信納該等努力並沒有在一段合理的時間內達致成功,否則不得根據本條作出命令。
  3. 法院不得就某一專利(“A專利”)而基於第(2)(d)(i)款所述的理由根據本條作出命令,除非信納另一項發明的專利(“B專利”)的所有人能夠並願意按合理的條款將在B專利下的特許批予A專利的所有人及其特許持有人。

(7) 根據本條批予一項特許的命令須訂定─

(a) 該項特許須屬非專用的;及
(b)該項特許須屬不可轉讓的,但如與根據該項特許享有上述專利的使用權的有關企業或商譽的有關部分一同轉讓,則屬例外,而就一項根據第(6)款批予的特許而言,就A專利而批予的特許,只可隨B專利的轉讓而轉讓, (由2001年第2號第7條修訂)

該命令並須指明該項特許的範圍及期限。

    1. 即使申請人已是在某一專利下的特許的持有人,他仍可就該專利而根據本條提出申請;任何人不得因作出任何承認(不論是否在該項特許中或在其他方面或由於他已接受該項特許)而被禁止依賴第(2)款所指明的任何事宜。
    2. [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 48 U.K.]
    1. 凡法院因應根據第64條就某一專利而提出申請,信納由於該專利的所有人在該專利下的特許的批予,或在該專利產品的處置或使用方面或在該專利方法的使用方面所施加的條件,以致不受該專利保護的物料的製造、使用或處置受到不公平的損害,則法院可(在該條條文的規限下)命令將在該專利下的特許批予該申請人以及法院認為合適的該申請人的顧客。 (由1998年第312號法律公告修訂)
    2. (2) 凡根據第64條提出的申請是就某一專利而由持有在該專利下的特許的人提出的,則法院─
      1. (a) 如命令將一項特許批予該申請人,可命令取消現有的特許;或
      2. (b) 可命令將現有的特許修訂,而非命令將一項特許批予該申請人。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 49 U.K.〕
    1. 法院在因應根據第64條就某一專利提出的申請而行使其權力時,須以確保產生以下作用為目的─
      1. (a)使任何能在香港以商業規模實施且為公眾利益應如此實施的發明得以在香港實施而不致受到不當的阻延,並得以在合理的切實可行範圍內盡量充分地如此實施;
      2. (b)使該項發明的發明人或對某一專利享有實益的其他人得以收到在顧及該項發明的性質後屬合理的報酬;
      3. (c)使當其時在某一專利的保護下在香港實施或發展一項發明的任何人,不致受到不公平的損害。
    1. 除第(1)款另有規定外,法院在裁定是否依據任何該等申請而作出命令時,須考慮以下事宜 ─
      1. (a)該項發明的性質、自官方公報刊登批予該專利的公告以來所經過的時間和該專利的所有人或任何特許持有人為充分利用該項發明而已採取的措施; (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
      2. (b) 會獲法院批予特許的任何人實施該項發明以令公眾得益的能力;
  1. (c) 如作出命令的申請獲批准,則該人在提供資本和實施該項發明方面所須承擔的風險, 但法院不須考慮在提出該項申請後發生的任何該等事宜。

(3)任何因根據第64或65條作出的命令而感到受屈的人,可向法院申請作出命令以更改或取消

上述特許(如法院於所有有關情況下認為適合)。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 50 U.K.]

詳列交互參照: 64,65,66

有關的專利的所有人或任何其他人如欲反對根據第64至66條提出的申請,可按照法院規則,給予法院反對通知,而法院在決定是否批准上述申請時,須考慮該項反對。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第64,65,66條 *〉

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 52 U.K.〕

詳列交互參照: 第69,70,71條

附註:

具追溯力的修訂─見1999年第22號第3

第IX部

政府徵用專利發明

為施行第69至71條,當行政長官會同行政會議於任何時間認為為公眾利益而有必要或適宜時,可藉規例宣布任何期間為極度緊急期間,以維持社會大眾生活上必需的供應品與服務或確保社會大眾生活上必需的供應品與服務是足夠的。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第69,70,71條 *〉

(由1999年第22號第3條修訂)

詳列交互參照: 第70,71,72條

附註:

具追溯力的適應化修訂─見1999年第22號第3

    1. 在已宣布為極度緊急的期間內,獲行政長官以書面授權的公職人員或獲該公職人員以書面授權的任何人─ (由1999年第22號第3條修訂)
    2. (a) 就一項專利發明而言,可在沒有該專利的所有人的同意下;或
  1. (b) 就一項已就其提交專利的申請的發明而言,可在沒有申請人的同意下, 就該項發明在香港作出任何作為,而該等作為是該公職人員或獲授權的人覺得就導致作出第68條所指的宣布的緊急情況而言屬必要或適宜者。
  2. 就一項發明而憑藉本條作出的任何作為,在本條的以下條文中稱為該項發明的徵用或政府徵用,而在第70至72條中,“徵用”(use),就一項發明而言,須據此解釋。 〈*註─詳列交互參照:第70,71,72條 *〉
  3. 政府徵用可包括若非因本條即會構成對有關專利的侵犯或導致產生第88條所指的就標準專利的申請而提起法律程序的權利(視屬何情況而定)的任何作為。

(4) 凡任何上述發明的政府徵用是在─

(a)發表該項發明的標準專利的申請或就該項發明批予短期專利之後在任何時間作出的;或
(b) 不損害(a)段的原則下─
(i) 因在就該發明而提出的標準專利的申請的當作提交日期之後或就該項發明而提出的短期專利申請的提交日期之後(視屬何情況而定);或
(ii) 如有人聲稱具有優先權,因在優先權的日期之後,

所作的並非保密的有關通訊而導致在任何時間作出的, 須按政府與該專利的所有人之間不論在該項徵用之前或之後所議定的條款而作出,或在沒有協議的情況下,則須按法院因應根據第72條作出的轉介所裁定的條款而作出。

    1. 在發表一項發明的標準專利的申請之後但在批予該專利之前的任何時間,凡該項發明憑藉本條被徵用,而就該項徵用所議定的或裁定的徵用條款(一如第(4)款所述者)包括關於就該項徵用而作出的付款,則(即使在該等條款中另有規定)只有─
      1. (a) 在批予任何該等專利之後,方可追討該等付款;及
      2. (b)在以下情況下,方可追討該等付款︰假設該專利已在發表該項申請的日期獲批予,則(若非因本條)該項徵用即不單會侵犯了該專利,還會侵犯了已予發表的申請中所載形式的權利要求(按在有關的說明及按有關的說明或權利要求中所提述的任何繪圖予以解釋)。
  1. 任何公職人員就一項發明所具的權限,可在批予有關專利之前或之後根據本條授予,而該項權限可授予任何人,不論該人是否獲該專利的所有人直接或間接授權就該項發明而作出任何事情。
  2. 凡就一項發明而作出的任何政府徵用是由一名公職人員或在其授權下根據本條作出的,則該公職人員須在切實可行範圍內盡快通知專利的所有人,並須將該所有人不時所需的有關該項徵用的範圍的資料提供予該所有人。
  3. 凡任何人取得任何因本條所賦權力而處置的東西,該人以及任何透過該人提出申索的人,可處理該等東西,其處理方式猶如該專利是代政府所持有的一樣。
  4. 在本條中,凡提述一項專利發明,就任何時間而言,即提述一項已在該時間之前或一項在其後獲批予專利的發明。
    1. 在本條中,“有關通訊”(relevant communication) 就一項發明而言,指直接或間接由專利的所有人或該所有人的所有權所源自的任何人就該項發明所作的通訊。
      1. 第(4)款並不損害關於資料保密的任何法律規則。 [比照 1977 c. 37 ss. 55 & 56 U.K.]
        1. (1) 第(3)款所指明的任何特許、轉讓或協議的條文,就─
          1. (a)憑藉第69條由公職人員或獲公職人員授權的人對某項發明作出的任何政府徵用而言;或
          2. (b)由某項專利發明的專利所有人,或為某項已有專利的申請就其提出但仍待決的發明而

提出的申請的所有人,按一名公職人員的指定為政府徵用而作出的任何事情而言, 在該等條文─

(i) 限制或規管該項發明的實施或與其有關的任何模型、文件或資料的徵用的範圍內;或

(ii) 就上述實施或徵用的付款或參照上述實施或徵用而計算的付款作出規定的範圍內, 並無效力。
(2)
關乎第(1)款所提述的實施或徵用的任何模型或文件的複製或發表,不得當作侵犯存在於該等型號或文件的任何版權或受保護的布圖設計(拓樸圖)。
(3)
第(1)款所提述的特許、轉讓或協議,是由屬有關專利的所有人或申請人的人或自該等人獲得所有權的人或該等人的所有權自其獲得的人(為立約一方)與並非政府的任何人(為立約另一方)不論在本條例的生效日期之前或之後訂立的任何特許、轉讓或協議。
(4)
凡任何專用特許在有關的專利或申請下屬有效,而該專用特許並非為藉參照有關發明的實施而釐定的專利權費或其他利益而批予的,則─
(a)第69(4)條適用於就上述發明而作出的任何如非因本條及第69(1)條即屬侵犯特許持有人權利的事情,但在該等條文中對上述專利的所有人的提述須代以對特許持有人的提述;及
(b)第69(4)條不適用於由特許持有人憑藉根據第69(1)條獲授予的權限就上述發明而作出的任何事情。
(5)
除第(4)款另有規定外,凡上述專利或獲批予上述專利的權利已為藉參照上述發明的實施而釐定的專利權費或其他利益的代價而轉讓予上述專利或申請的所有人,則─
(a)第69(4)條適用於就該項發明而作出的任何政府徵用,猶如提述該專利的所有人即包括提述該轉讓人,而根據該款為政府徵用而須繳付的任何款項,須按該等人士所議定的比例分給他們,在沒有協議的情況下,則須按法院因應根據第72條作出的轉介所釐定的比例分給他們;及
(b)第69(4)條適用於關於由上述專利或申請的所有人按一名公職人員的指定就政府徵用該發明而作出的任何作為,猶如該作為屬憑藉根據該條授予的權限而作出的徵用一樣。
(6)
凡第69(4)條適用於某項發明的任何徵用,而任何人持有授權他實施該項發明的在有關專利或申請下的專用特許(第(4)款所述的特許除外),則第(8)及(9)款適用。
(7) 在第(8)及(9)款中,“第69(4)條付款”(the section 69(4) payment) 指上述專利或申請的所有人與政府根據第69條所議定的或法院根據第72條所釐定的應由有關公職人員就上述發明的徵用而向該所有人作出的付款(如有的話)。
(8)
特許持有人有權向上述專利或申請的所有人追討他們所議定的第69(4)條付款的有關部分(如有的話),或在沒有協議的情況下,由法院根據第72條釐定的該部分,而該部分是法院在顧及特許持

有人在─

(a) 發展上述發明方面;或
(b)以獲得特許為代價而向該所有人作出付款(藉參照該項發明的徵用而釐定的專利權費或

其他付款除外), 所招致的開支後裁定為公平的。

(9)上述專利或申請的所有人與政府就第69(4)條付款的款額而根據第69(4)條訂立的任何協議,除非為特許持有人所同意,否則均屬無效;又除非特許持有人已獲告知有關個案已轉介法院並獲給予陳詞的機會,否則法院根據第69(4)條就該項付款的款額而作出的任何釐定均屬無效。

(10) 在本條中,“有關公職人員”(the public officer concerned) 就某項發明的任何政府徵用而言,

指作出該項徵用的公職人員或授權他人作出該項徵用的公職人員。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 57 U.K.]

(1) 凡有任何發明為政府所徵用,政府須向─

(a) 有關專利的所有人;或

(b) (如就該專利已有有效的專用特許)專用特許持有人, 就該人因不獲判給合約以供應專利產品或(視屬何情況而定)以實行專利方法或供應藉專利方法而製成的物件而造成的任何損失,支付補償。
(2)
補償只在憑該所有人或特許持有人現有的生產能力或其他能力本來能完成該合約的範圍內而須支付;但即使有令他不符合獲判給該合約的資格的情況存在,補償仍須支付。
(3)
在釐定損失時,須顧及本會自該合約賺取的利潤和顧及任何生產能力或其他能力未予充分使用的程度。
(4) 不須就任何人未能取得合約以供應專利產品或(視屬何情況而定)以實行專利方法或供應藉專利方法製成的物件(但為政府徵用而供應或實行者除外)而支付任何補償。

(5)如所有人或特許持有人沒有就須付的款額與政府達成協議,則該款額須由法院因應根據第

72條作出的轉介而釐定,且屬根據第69或70條須付的任何款額以外的款額。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 57A U.K.〕

(1) 任何關於─

(a) 公職人員或獲公職人員授權的人行使第69條所賦予的權力的糾紛;
(b) 為政府根據第69條徵用某項發明而訂的條款的糾紛;
(c) 任何人收取依據第69(4)條作出的付款的任何部分的權利的糾紛;或
(d) 任何人根據第71條收取付款的權利的糾紛, 可在就上述發明批予專利後由所涉糾紛的任何一方轉介法院。
(2)
法院在裁定根據本條就政府與任何人之間為政府徵用某項發明而訂的條款所產生的任何糾紛時,須顧及─
(a)該人或該人的所有權所源自的任何人就所涉的發明而可能已經或可能有權直接或間接從任何公職人員收取的任何利益或補償;
(b)法院是否認為該人或該人的所有權所源自的任何人無合理因由而沒有遵從有關公職人員為政府徵用該發明而按合理條款作出的要求。
(3)
凡糾紛根據本條轉介法院,法院可拒絕就政府在以下時間徵用某項發明而藉判給補償以批給濟助─
(a)在根據第33(4)條指明的任何進一步期間內,但在為施行該條而訂明的維持費和任何附加費的繳付之前;或
(b)在根據第39(4)或125(5)條指明的任何進一步期間內,但在為施行該條而訂明的續期費和任何附加費的繳付之前。
(4)
凡任何專利的說明書的修訂已根據本條例獲容許或已根據第43(2)條予以記錄,除非法院信納所發表的該專利的說明書是真誠地且以合理水平的技術和知識擬定的,否則法院不得就在容許或記錄該項修訂的決定作出前就任何上述徵用而根據本條藉判給補償以批給濟助。
(5)
如某一專利的有效性在根據本條進行的法律程序中成為爭論點,而該專利被裁斷為只屬局部有效,則在符合第(6)款的規定下,法院可就該專利被裁斷為有效的且已為政府徵用的部分,向該專利的所有人批給濟助。
(6)
凡在任何上述法律程序中,某一專利被裁斷為只屬局部有效,則法院不得藉判給補償、訟費或開支而批給濟助,但如該專利的所有人證明該專利的說明書是真誠地且以合理水平的技術和知識擬定的,則法院可在該情況下就該專利屬有效的且已為政府徵用的部分批給濟助,惟須受法院在訟費和開支方面以及在應獲判給補償的開始日期方面的酌情決定權所規限。
(7)
法院可因應根據第102條提出修訂某一專利的說明書的申請而指示該說明書須修訂至令法院滿意的程度,作為批給任何上述濟助的條件;而且不論在上述法律程序中的所有其他爭論點是否已予裁定,申請亦可據此為上述修訂而提出。
(8)
法院於考慮在某項發明的標準專利申請的發表作出之後,但在該專利獲批予之前就該項發明所作的政府徵用而須付的任何補償的款額時,須從該項已發表的申請的情況來考慮,該專利的所有人會獲批予專利,使他能就被裁斷為與構成政府徵用的作為屬同一類別的任何作為而獲該專利賦予的保護,是否本會是合理的預期;如法院裁斷如此預期本會是不合理的,則須將補償減至法院認為公正的款額。
(9)
凡任何人憑藉第52條適用的任何交易、文書或事件而成為某一專利的所有人或其中一名所有人或專用特許持有人(“新所有人或新特許持有人”),則除非─
(a)該交易、文書或事件的訂明詳情註冊的申請已在自其日期起計的6個月期間結束前提出;或
(b)法院信納在該期間結束前提出上述申請並不切實可行,而一項上述申請已於其後在切

實可行範圍內盡快提出, 否則就在上述交易、文書或事件的日期後但在該等交易、文書或事件的訂明詳件已註冊前任何公職人員或獲公職人員授權的人根據第69條就該項專利發明所作的任何徵用,新所有人或新特許持有人無權根據第69(4)條(按其現有條文或按其經第70(4)條變通的條文)獲得任何補償,亦無權根據第71條獲得任何補償。

(10)任何專利或專利的申請的2名或多於2名共同所有人的其中一人,可未經其他共同所有人贊同而將任何糾紛根據本條轉介法院,但除非該人使其他共同所有人成為有關法律程序的一方,否則不得如此行事,而除非被指定為被告人的任何其他共同所有人呈交應訴書和參與該法律程序,否則該等共同所有人不須承擔任何訟費或開支。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 58 U.K.〕

第IXA部專利藥劑製品的進口強制性特許 在本部中,除文意另有所指外─

“所有人”(proprietor) 就某項專利而言,指在香港批予的該項專利的所有人; “進口強制性特許”(import compulsory licence) 指根據第72C條批予的強制性特許; “進口強制性特許持有人”(import compulsory licensee) 指進口強制性特許的持有人; “署長”(Director) 指衞生署署長。

(第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

條: 72B 為公共衞生問題宣布極度緊急期間 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

詳列交互參照: 第72C,72D,72E,72F,72G,72H,72I,72J條

  1. 為施行第72C至72J條,行政長官會同行政會議每當認為為公眾利益而屬有必要或適宜時,可藉在憲報刊登的公告宣布任何期間為極度緊急期間,以應付在香港出現的任何公共衞生問題,或可能出現的公共衞生問題。 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第72C,72D,72E,72F,72G,72H,72I,72J條 *〉
  2. 凡有任何期間根據第(1)款被宣布為極度緊急期間,行政長官會同行政會議須不時審視或安排不時審視導致作出該項宣布的公共衞生問題,或可能出現的公共衞生問題。
  3. 根據第(1)款宣布的極度緊急期間一直持續,直至行政長官會同行政會議藉在憲報刊登的終止該期間的公告指明的日期為止。

(4) 根據第(1)或(3)款刊登的公告是附屬法例。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

條: 72C 批予專利藥劑製品的進口強制性特許 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

在根據第72B(1)條宣布的極度緊急期間內,凡署長認為香港的藥劑業無能力或缺乏足夠能力製造某專利藥劑製品以滿足香港對該製品的需求,他可在他施加的條款及條件的規限下,向公職人員或任何其他人批予在有關專利下的進口強制性特許,讓該等人士在香港就該專利藥劑製品作出以下全部或任何一項署長覺得就導致該項宣布的極度緊急情況而言屬必要或適宜的作為─

(a) 進口、屯積或使用該製品或將該製品推出市場;
(b) 作出若非因本條便會構成對有關專利的侵犯的任何其他作為。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
條: 72D 進口強制性特許的條款、條件及性質 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
    1. (1) 規限根據第72C條批予的進口強制性特許的條款及條件須包括─
        1. (a) 關於以下事宜的條款及條件─
          1. (i) 根據該特許獲授權就有關專利藥劑製品作出的作為;
          2. (ii) 該特許所涵蓋的專利藥劑製品的數量;及
          3. (iii) 該特許的有效期;
        1. (b) 作出以下規定的條款及條件─
          1. (i) 根據該特許進口香港的專利藥劑製品不得從香港出口;
            1. (ii) 該專利藥劑製品須─
              1. (A) 透過特定的標籤或標記,清楚地予以識別為是根據該特許進口的;及
              2. (B)透過特別的包裝、顏色或形狀,使它與有關專利的所有人製造的或根據該所有人的授權而製造的同一產品有所區別;及
          2. (iii) 該特許不可轉讓,但如與根據該特許享有的有關專利的使用權的企業或商譽的有關部分一同轉讓,則屬例外;及
      1. (c) 署長在顧及香港在根據第72B(1)條宣布的極度緊急期間內的公共衞生需要後認為合適的任何其他條款或條件。
  1. (2) 進口強制性特許屬非專用的特許。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
  1. 如已就製造及出口專利藥劑製品至香港而按照有關文書或法例向在出口成員地批予的有關專利的所有人支付報酬,則無需就關乎該製品的進口強制性特許向在香港批予的有關專利的所有人支付報酬。
  2. 如在香港批予的有關專利的所有人證明並令署長信納,在出口成員地批予的有關專利的所有人未有就製造及出口專利藥劑製品至香港而按照有關文書或法例獲支付報酬,且已在出口成員地用盡追討該報酬的所有法律補救而不果,則政府須就關乎該製品的進口強制性特許,向首述的人支付報酬,該報酬的款額為─

(a)(除法院因應根據第72J(2)條提出的申請而作出的命令另有規定外)署長與在香港批予的有關專利的所有人所議定的款額;或

(b) 法院因應根據第72J(1)或(2)條提出的申請而釐定的款額。

(3) 署長在就報酬的款額達成協議之前,須考慮知識產權署署長就有關報酬表達的任何意見。

  1. 根據第(2)(a)款議定的須就某項專利或(如有關專利藥劑製品所關乎的專利多於一項的話)所有專利支付的報酬的總款額,不得超逾有關進口強制性特許持有人須就該製品向在有關出口成員地的該製品的賣家支付的總買價的4%。
    1. 凡有關專利藥劑製品所關乎的專利多於一項,則根據第(2)(a)款議定的報酬的總款額,須平均分配予所有有關專利的所有人。
      1. (6) 商務及經濟發展局局長可藉在憲報刊登的公告,更改第(4)款指明的百分率。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
        1. (1) 署長在根據第72C條批予任何進口強制性特許後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快─
          1. (a)向有關專利的所有人給予關於已批予該特許一事及該特許的條款及條件的書面通知;及
          2. (b) 於官方公報刊登關於已批予該特許一事及該特許的條款及條件的公告。
        1. (2) 署長─
            1. (a)在與有關專利的所有人根據第72E(2)(a)條議定報酬的款額後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快於官方公報刊登公告,述明─
              1. (i) 他與在公告內被指名的有關專利的所有人如此議定的報酬的款額,以及(如適用的話)報酬的款額根據第72E(5)條分配的情況;及
              2. (ii) 任何其他有權就須根據第72E(2)條支付的報酬提出申索的人,可根據第72J(2)條向法院提出申請;或
            1. (b)在信納他與有關專利的所有人未能就須根據第72E(2)條支付的報酬的款額達成協議後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快於官方公報刊登公告,述明─
              1. (i) 他與在公告內被指名的有關專利的所有人未能就報酬的款額達成協議此項事實;及
              2. (ii)任何其他有權就須根據該條支付的報酬提出申索的人,可根據第72J(2)條向法院提

出申請。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

條: 72G 終止進口強制性特許 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
    1. 署長如信納根據第72C條施加的某進口強制性特許的任何條款或條件遭違反,可藉向有關進口強制性特許持有人給予書面通知,終止該特許。
    2. (2) 署長在根據第(1)款終止進口強制性特許後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快─
      1. (a) 就已終止特許一事,向有關專利的所有人給予書面通知;及
      2. (b) 於官方公報刊登該項終止的公告。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
    1. (1) 在極度緊急期間被第72B(3)條所指的公告終止後,進口強制性特許持有人須採取合理步驟,向管有按照有關進口強制性特許被處置的專利藥劑製品的人(為非商業目的而私下管有該製品者除外),收回根據該特許進口的該製品,或安排向該人收回該製品。
        1. (2) 進口強制性特許持有人須─
          1. (a) 將他管有或根據第(1)款收回的專利藥劑製品交予署長;或
          2. (b) 以他與在香港批予的有關專利的所有人議定的方式,處置該製品。
        1. (3) 凡有專利藥劑製品根據第(2)(a)款交予署長─
          1. (a)政府須向有關進口強制性特許持有人支付一筆款項,款額為該持有人就該製品向在有關出口成員地的該製品的賣家支付的買價;及
            1. (b) 署長須─
              1. (i) 以他與在香港批予的有關專利的所有人議定的方式,處置該製品;或
              2. (ii) 在沒有達成協議的情況下,在切實可行範圍內,盡快銷毀該製品。
    1. 為免生疑問,自極度緊急期間被第72B(3)條所指的公告終止起直至下述情況(視屬何情況而定)發生為止,屯積根據進口強制性特許進口的專利藥劑製品,並不構成有關進口強制性特許持有人或署長對有關專利的侵犯─
      1. (a)該進口強制性特許持有人根據第(2)(a)款將該製品交予署長,或根據第(2)(b)款處置該製品;或
      2. (b) 署長根據第(3)(b)(i)款處置該製品,或根據第(3)(b)(ii)款銷毀該製品。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
  1. 如任何專利藥劑製品按照任何進口強制性特許被處置而轉予任何人,則該人可在沒有得到有關專利的所有人的同意下,為與導致根據第72B(1)條作出的宣布的極度緊急情況有關的目的,在香港將該製品推出市場或在香港屯積或使用該製品,猶如他已獲該特許授權如此行事一樣。
條: 72H 在極度緊急期間後處置專利藥劑製品等 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
條: 72I 獲得按照進口強制性特許處置的專利藥劑製品的人並無侵犯專利 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(2)如任何專利藥劑製品按照任何進口強制性特許被處置而轉予任何人,該人不得將該製品從

香港出口,或安排將該製品從香港出口。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

  1. 如署長及有關專利的所有人未能就須根據第72E(2)條支付的報酬的款額達成協議,則在符合第(5)款的規定下,任何一方均可向法院提出申請,以釐定須根據該條支付的報酬的款額。
  2. 如任何人並非根據第72E(2)(a)條就報酬的款額而達成的協議的一方,但有權就須根據第72E(2)條支付的報酬提出申索,則在符合第(5)款的規定下,該人可向法院申請一項命令,以根據該條獲支付報酬。
    1. 法院在釐定須向有關專利的所有人支付的報酬的適當款額時,須考慮攸關有關情況的所有因素,包括─
      1. (a) 使用根據有關進口強制性特許進口的專利藥劑製品對香港的經濟價值;及
      2. (b) 攸關該特許的批予的人道或非商業因素。
  3. 法院根據第(3)款釐定的須就某項專利或(如有關專利藥劑製品所關乎的專利多於一項的話)所有專利支付的報酬的總款額,可超逾可根據第72E(2)(a)條議定的最高報酬款額。
    1. 除非法院另有決定,否則根據第(1)或(2)款提出的申請,不得在根據第72F(2)條刊登有關公告當日後的28日期間屆滿後提出。
    2. (6) 因─
      1. (a) 任何進口強制性特許的批予;
      2. (b) 根據第72C條施加的進口強制性特許的條款或條件;
      3. (c) 根據第72E(5)條分配報酬的款額;或
    1. (d) 根據第72G(1)條對任何進口強制性特許的終止, 而感到受屈的人,可在第72F(1)(b)或(2)(a)(i)條所指的公告刊登當日後或該特許被終止當日後(視屬何情況而定)的28日內,或在法院所容許的較長限期內,向法院提出申請,以覆核該特許的批予、該特許條款或條件、該項報酬的款額的分配或該特許的終止(視屬何情況而定)。
    2. (7) 在覆核中,法院可─
      1. (a) 確認、更改或取消進口強制性特許;
      2. (b) 確認、更改或取消根據第72C條施加的進口強制性特許的條款或條件;
      3. (c) 確認或更改根據第72E(5)條對報酬的款額的分配;
      4. (d) 確認或推翻根據第72G(1)條對進口強制性特許的終止;或
      5. (e) 作出法院認為在有關情況下屬合適的任何其他命令。
  4. 有關專利的所有人可基於根據第72C條施加的任何進口強制性特許的條款或條件遭違反,向法院申請終止該特許的命令。

(9) 法院應根據第(8)款提出的申請,可─

(a)(如信納根據第72C條施加的任何進口強制性特許的條款或條件遭違反)作出終止該特許的命令;及

(b) 作出法院認為在有關情況下屬合適的任何其他命令。 (第IXA部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

第IXB部 專利藥劑製品的出口強制性特許 在本部中,除文意另有所指外─ “出口強制性特許”(export compulsory licence) 指根據第72M條批予的強制性特許;

“出口強制性特許持有人”(export compulsory licensee) 指出口強制性特許的持有人; “所有人”(proprietor) 就某項專利而言,指在香港批予的該項專利的所有人; “香港專利編號”(Hong Kong patent number) 就某項專利而言,指─

(a) 處長編配予根據第27(1)(b)條就該項專利發出的證明書的編號;
(b) 處長編配予根據第118(2)(b)條就該項專利發出的批予證明書的編號;或
(c) 處長編配予根據已被第154(1)條廢除的《專利註冊條例》(第42章)就該項專利發出的註冊證明書的編號;

“署長”(Director) 指衞生署署長。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

(1)在標準專利或短期專利就任何專利藥劑製品而批予後的任何時間,任何人可根據第72M條向署長申請就該製品獲批予在有關專利下的出口強制性特許。

(2) 上述申請須以書面提出,以及─

(a) 須述明以下資料─
(i) 申請人及獲申請人為該申請的目的而授權的任何代理人或代表的姓名或名稱及地址;
(ii) 根據屬該申請的標的之出口強制性特許而製造及出售以供出口的專利藥劑製品的名稱;
(iii) 根據該出口強制性特許而製造及出售以供出口的專利藥劑製品的數量;
(iv)屬根據該出口強制性特許將出口的專利藥劑製品的目的地的合資格進口成員地的名稱;
(v) 申請人申請的出口強制性特許的有效期;
(vi) 關乎該專利藥劑製品的香港專利編號或各香港專利編號;
(vii)根據第72N(1)(b)(ii)條的規定而建議的該專利藥劑製品的標籤、標記、包裝、顏色或形狀;
(viii) 登載申請人須展示的第72N(1)(b)(iii)條所提述的資料的網站的網址;
(ix) 依據第(3)款取得的任何資料;
(x) 署長為批予出口強制性特許而合理要求的任何其他資料;及
(b) 須附有─
(i) 由合資格進口成員地或由該成員地授權的任何代表、非政府組織或國際衞生組織為取得專利藥劑製品而向申請人提出的書面請求的副本,以及要求的製品數量;
(ii) 由合資格進口成員地向知識產權理事會發出的、述明以下事項的通知的副本─
(A) 該成員地要求的專利藥劑製品的名稱及數量;
(B) (如該成員地並非聯合國承認的最低度發展國家)該成員地無能力或缺乏足夠能力製造該專利藥劑製品;及
(C) (如該藥劑製品已在該成員地獲批予專利)該成員地已按照或擬按照有關文書或法例批予強制性特許以進口該製品;
(iii) (如適用的話)根據第(4)(b)(i)或(5)(a)(i)款就擬提出申請一事給予有關專利的所有人的通知的副本;
(iv) (如適用的話)申請人根據《宣誓及聲明條例》(第11章)作出的聲明,聲明他已按照第(4)(a)款作出合理的努力,以按合理的商業條款及條件取得有關專利的所有人的授權,但未能在作出該等努力後的28日內取得成果;及

(v) (如該藥劑製品已在合資格進口成員地獲批予專利)該成員地批予進口該製品的任何強制性特許的文件證據。

  1. 擬根據第(1)款提出申請的人,須在提出申請前採取合理步驟,以從有關合資格進口成員地取得以下資料︰任何出口成員地(香港除外)將會根據在該出口成員地批予的任何強制性特許而製造及出口至該合資格進口成員地的專利藥劑製品的數量的資料。
    1. 凡任何人擬根據第(1)款提出申請,而有關合資格進口成員地並沒有通知知識產權理事會它正面對國家緊急情況或其他極度緊急情況,則該人─
      1. (a)須在該申請的日期的28日或之前,作出合理的努力,以按合理的商業條款及條件取得有關專利的所有人的授權,以製造及出售供出口而數量為該成員地所要求者的專利藥劑製品;及
        1. (b) 須在該申請的日期的14日或之前─
            1. (i) 就擬提出申請一事向有關專利的所有人給予通知,該通知須載有第(2)(a)款(該款第
            2. (viii)及(x)節除外)所規定的資料;及
          1. (ii) 將第(2)(b)款(該款第(iii)及(iv)節除外)所規定的所有文件及文件證據附於該通知。
    1. 凡任何人擬根據第(1)款提出申請,而有關合資格進口成員地已將它正面對國家緊急情況或其他極度緊急情況一事通知知識產權理事會,則該人─
        1. (a) (i) 須在提出該申請前任何時間,就擬提出申請一事向有關專利的所有人給予通知,該通知須載有第(2)(a)款(該款第(viii)及(x)節除外)所規定的資料;或
        2. (ii) 在提出該申請後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快就他已提出申請一事向有關專利的所有人給予通知,該通知須載有第(2)(a)款所規定的資料;
      1. (b) 須將第(2)(b)款(該款第(iii)及(iv)節除外)所規定的所有文件及文件證據附於該通知;及
      2. (c) 在根據(a)段給予通知後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快將該通知的副本送交署長。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

在符合以下條件的情況下,署長可在他施加的條款及條件的規限下,向申請人批予在有關專利下的出口強制性特許,讓該申請人製造及出售專利藥劑製品,以供出口至合資格進口成員地─

(a) 署長信納第72L條的所有規定已獲符合;
(b)署長在考慮依據第72L(3)條取得的任何資料後,信納該申請人申請根據該特許製造及出售以供出口的製品的數量沒有超逾在第72L(2)(b)(ii)(A)條所提述的通知內述明的數量;及
(c)署長信納該申請是應第72L(2)(b)(i)條所提述的由合資格進口成員地提出的要求而提出

的。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

    1. (1) 規限根據第72M條批予的出口強制性特許的條款及條件須包括─
        1. (a) 關於以下事宜的條款及條件─
          1. (i) 根據該特許獲授權就有關專利藥劑製品作出的作為;
          2. (ii) 根據該特許獲授權而製造及出售以供出口的專利藥劑製品的數量;
          3. (iii) 屬根據該特許將出口的專利藥劑製品的目的地的合資格進口成員地;及
          4. (iv) 該特許的有效期;
        1. (b) 作出以下規定的條款及條件─
            1. (i) 該特許不可轉讓,但如與根據該特許享有的有關專利的使用權的企業或商譽的有
            2. 關部分一同轉讓,則屬例外;
            1. (ii) 該專利藥劑製品須─
              1. (A) 透過特定的標籤或標記,清楚地予以識別為是根據該特許製造的;及
              2. (B)透過特別的包裝、顏色或形狀,使它與有關專利的所有人製造的或根據該所有人的授權而製造的同一產品有所區別;
            1. (iii) 在根據該特許將專利藥劑製品付運至合資格進口成員地前,出口強制性特許持有人須將關於以下事宜的資料登載於由該持有人或其代表提供的網站或世界貿易組織網站內─
              1. (A) 將會在該次付運中出口至合資格進口成員地的專利藥劑製品的數量;及
              2. (B) 該專利藥劑製品根據第(ii)節的規定而有的標籤、標記、包裝、顏色或形狀;
            1. (iv)出口強制性特許持有人須就關乎有關專利藥劑製品的出口強制性特許向有關專利的所有人支付款額由署長根據第72P(1)條釐定的報酬;
            2. (v) (如有關專利藥劑製品所關乎的專利多於一項的話)出口強制性特許持有人須將由署長根據第72P(1)條釐定的報酬的總款額,平均分配予所有有關專利的所有人;
          1. (vi)在符合第(vii)節的規定下,根據該特許製造的專利藥劑製品,只可出口至該特許所指明的合資格進口成員地;及
          2. (vii) (如有關專利藥劑製品亦在合資格進口成員地獲批予專利)在該成員地批予進口該製品的強制性特許後,方可將該製品出口至該成員地;及
      1. (c) 署長認為合適的任何其他條款或條件。
  1. (2) 出口強制性特許屬非專用的特許。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
條: 72O 批予出口強制性特許的通知及公告 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

署長在根據第72M條批予任何出口強制性特許後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快─

(a)就已批予該特許一事及就該特許的條款及條件,向有關專利的所有人(依據按照第72L(2)(a)(vi)條在有關申請中指明的資料而被識別者)給予書面通知;及
(b) 於官方公報刊登關於已批予該特許一事及該特許的條款及條件的公告。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
條: 72P 釐定須支付予專利的所有人的報酬 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008
  1. (1) 署長須釐定須根據第72N(1)(b)(iv)條支付予有關專利的所有人的報酬的款額。
  2. (2) 署長在釐定報酬的款額時,須考慮知識產權署署長就有關報酬表達的任何意見。
    1. 署長根據第(1)款釐定的須就某項專利或(如有關專利藥劑製品所關乎的專利多於一項的話)所有專利支付的報酬的總款額不得超逾有關合資格進口成員地須就該製品向有關出口強制性特許持有人支付的總買價的4%。
    2. (4) 商務及經濟發展局局長可藉在憲報刊登的公告,更改第(3)款指明的百分率。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
  1. 署長如信納以下事宜,可藉向出口強制性特許持有人給予書面通知,終止有關出口強制性特許─
條: 72Q 終止出口強制性特許 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(a) 根據第72M條施加的該特許的任何條款或條件遭違反;或

514 -專利條例

(b)按照第72L(2)條於有關申請內述明的或附於有關申請的任何資料、文件或文件證據,在任何要項上屬虛假、不正確或不完整。

    1. (2) 署長在根據第(1)款終止出口強制性特許後,須在切實可行範圍內,盡快─
      1. (a)就已終止該特許一事,向有關專利的所有人(依據按照第72L(2)(a)(vi)條在有關申請中指明的資料而被識別者)給予書面通知;及
      2. (b) 於官方公報刊登關於該項終止的公告。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)
    1. (1) 因─
      1. (a) 任何出口強制性特許的批予;
      2. (b) 根據第72M條施加的任何出口強制性特許的條款或條件;或
(c) 根據第72Q(1)條對任何出口強制性特許的終止, 而感到受屈的人,可在第72O(b)條所指的公告刊登當日後或該特許被終止當日後(視屬何情況而定)的28日內,或在法院所容許的較長限期內,向法院提出申請,以覆核該特許的批予、該特許條款或條件或該特許的終止(視屬何情況而定)。
(2) 在覆核中,法院可─
(a) 確認、更改或取消出口強制性特許;
(b) 確認、更改或取消根據第72M條施加的出口強制性特許的條款或條件;
(c) 確認或更改根據第72P(1)條就報酬的款額作出的釐定;
(d) 確認或推翻根據第72Q(1)條對出口強制性特許的終止;或
(e) 作出法院認為在有關情況下屬合適的任何其他命令。
(3)
法院在釐定須向有關專利的所有人支付的報酬的適當款額時,須考慮攸關有關情況的所有因素,包括─
(a)使用根據有關出口強制性特許出口至合資格進口成員地的專利藥劑製品對該成員地的經濟價值;及
(b) 攸關該特許的批予的人道或非商業因素。
(4)
法院根據第(3)款釐定的須就某項專利或(如有關專利藥劑製品所關乎的專利多於一項的話)所有專利支付的報酬的總款額,可超逾署長可根據第72P(1)條釐定的最高報酬款額。
    1. (5) 有關專利的所有人可基於下述理由,向法院申請終止任何出口強制性特許的命令─
      1. (a) 根據第72M條施加的該特許的任何條款或條件遭違反;或
      2. (b)按照第72L(2)條於有關申請內述明的或附於有關申請的任何資料、文件或文件證據,在任何要項上屬虛假、不正確或不完整。
    1. (6) 法院應根據第(5)款提出的申請,可─
        1. (a) 在信納下述事宜的情況下,作出終止出口強制性特許的命令─
          1. (i) 根據第72M條施加的該特許的條款或條件遭違反;或
          2. (ii) 按照第72L(2)條於有關申請內述明的或附於有關申請的任何資料、文件或文件證據,在任何要項上屬虛假、不正確或不完整;及
      1. (b) 作出法院認為在有關情況下屬合適的任何其他命令。 (第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

就本部而言─

(a)為商號簽署或代商號簽署的文件,須由該商號的所有合夥人、任何述明他是代該商號簽署的合夥人或任何其他令署長信納他是獲該商號授權簽署該文件的人簽署;
(b)為法人團體簽署或代法人團體簽署的文件,須由該團體的董事或秘書或其他主要人員或任何其他令署長信納他是獲該團體授權簽署該文件的人簽署;及
(c) 為任何不屬法人團體的團體或有多於一人的組織(商號除外)簽署或代該等團體或組織簽署的文件,須由任何令署長信納他是獲該團體或組織(視屬何情況而定)授權簽署該文件的人簽署。

(第IXB部由2007年第21號第5條增補)

第X部

專利和專利申請的效力

任何專利在其有效時均授予其所有人權利以阻止所有未獲他同意的第三者在香港作出以下全部或任何一項作為─

(a) 就任何屬該專利的標的事項的產品而言─
(i) 製造、使用或進口該產品或將產品推出市場;或
(ii) 屯積該產品,而不論是為將該產品推出(在香港或其他地方的)市場的目的或為其他目的;
(b) 就任何屬該專利的標的事項的方法而言─
(i) 使用該方法;或
(ii) 當第三者知道在沒有該專利的所有人同意下而使用該方法是被禁止的,或在當時的情況下該項禁止對一個合理的人而言是明顯的,但卻提供該方法予人在香港使用;
(c) 凡該項發明為一個方法,則就藉該方法而直接獲得的任何產品而言─
(i) 將該產品推出市場或使用或進口該產品;或
(ii) 屯積該產品,而不論是為將該產品推出(在香港或其他地方的)市場的目的或為其他

目的。 〔比照 1992 No. 1 s. 40 Eire〕

  1. 任何專利在其有效時亦授予其所有人權利,以阻止所有未獲他同意的第三者在香港向或要約向任何人(有權實施該專利發明的一方除外)供應與該項發明的某重要元素有關的媒介,以令該項發明發揮效用,而當時該第三者知道所述媒介是適合的且是預定用以使該項發明在香港發揮效用的,或在有關情況下此事對一個合理的人而言是明顯的。
  2. 當第(1)款所提述的媒介是主要商業產品時,第(1)款即不適用,但如作出上述供應或要約的目的是誘使獲得供應的人或(視屬何情況而定)被要約的人作出專利的所有人能憑藉第73條阻止的作為,則屬例外。
  3. 任何實行第75(a)、(b)或(c)條所提述的作為的人,不得被視為有權依據第(1)款實施一項發明的各方。

(4) 就第(1)款而言─

(a) 在該款中提述有權實施一項發明的人,包括提述憑藉第69條有權如此行事的人;及
(b)凡任何人憑藉第30、35、39(4)、41(4)或(5)、83、106(4)或126(5)條(就第41條而言,包括第127條所施行的該條)而有權就該項發明作出任何作為而不使該作為構成侵犯該項發明的專利,則在該作為所涉的範圍內,該人須視為有權實施該項發明的人。

〔比照 1992 No. 1 s. 41 Eire〕

任何專利所授予的權利不得擴大至以下作為─

(a) 為非商業目的而私下作出的作為;
(b) 為實驗目的而作出與有關專利發明的標的事項有關的作為;
(c)按照註冊醫生或註冊牙醫開出的處方為個別病案在藥房即時製備藥物或與如此製備藥物有關的作為(而“註冊醫生”及“註冊牙醫”兩詞分別具有《醫生註冊條例》(第161章)第2條和《牙醫註冊條例》(第156章)第2(1)條給予 “註冊醫生” 及“註冊牙醫”的涵義);
(d)當在任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方(香港除外)註冊的船隻臨時或意外地進入香港領海時─
(i) 在該等船隻上;或
(ii) 在該等船隻的船身內,或其機械、滑車索具、傳動裝置或其他零件上, 使用屬該專利的標的之發明,但該項發明須是專為該等船隻的需要而在香港水域內使用的;
(e) 當巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方(香港除外)的飛機、氣墊船或陸上交通工具臨時或意外地進入香港時─
(i) 在該等飛機、氣墊船或陸上交通工具的構造或操作上;或
(ii) 在該等飛機、氣墊船或陸上交通工具的零件的構造或操作上,
使用屬該專利的標的之發明;
(f)使用屬《民航條例》(第448章)第10(4)條所適用的且已合法進入香港或正合法經過香港(包括香港上空及香港海域)的飛機,或為該等飛機而將該等飛機的任何部分或零件輸入香港,或在香港使用或貯存該部分或零件。

〔比照 1992 No. 1 s. 42 Eire〕

(1) 就本條例而言─

(a)凡已就某項發明提交專利的申請,則除文意另有所指外,該項發明須視為屬該項申請的說明書的權利要求中所指明並按該說明書所載的說明和任何繪圖予以解釋者;
(b)凡已就某項發明批予專利,則除文意另有所指外,該項發明須視為屬該專利的說明書

的權利要求中所指明並按該說明書所載的說明和任何繪圖予以解釋者, 而由任何專利或專利的申請所賦予的保護的範圍亦須據此予以決定。

(2)凡有多於一項發明在關乎某專利或專利的申請的任何上述權利要求中指明,則為本條例的施行,每項發明可有不同的優先權的日期。

(3) 第(1)款不應按以下兩種意義的任何一種解釋─

(a)在一方面意味着由任何專利所賦予的保護的範圍須理解為在權利要求中所使用的字句的嚴格的和字面上的涵義所界定的保護範圍,而說明和繪圖的字句只為解決在該等權利要求中發現的含糊之處而引用;或
(b)在另一方面意味着權利要求只作為一項指引,而由任何專利所賦予的實際保護的範圍

可擴大至該專利持有人(從一名擅長有關技術的人對上述說明和繪圖的考慮角度來看)曾

預期的範圍, (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂) 反而須解釋為界定介乎上述2個極端之間的某一情況,該情況將對該專利的所有人或專利的申請的所有人的公平保護和對第三者而言的合理程度的明確性,予以結合。

[比照 1977 c. 37 s. 125 U.K.]

條: 77 發明的披露 L.N. 136 of 2007 26/11/2007

任何發明的專利的申請及專利說明書須披露該項申請及該說明書所關乎的發明,而披露的方式須充分地清楚和完整,足以使擅長有關技術的人能將其實行。 (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂) [比照 EPC Art. 83]

條: 78 權利要求 30/06/1997

凡為某事宜給予或尋求保護,權利要求須界定該事宜,並須是清楚和簡明的,且須獲有關的說明佐證。 〔比照 EPC Art. 84;1992 No. 1 s. 20 Eire〕

條: 79 撮錄 30/06/1997

撮錄只可作為技術資料之用;不得為任何其他目的而對撮錄加以考慮,尤其不可將之用作解釋所給予的保護的範圍或用作應用第94(3)條。 〔比照 EPC Art. 85;1992 No. 1 s. 22(1) Eire〕

條: 80 因專利遭侵犯而提起的法律程序 30/06/1997

詳列交互參照: 第73,74,75條

第XI部

侵犯專利

(1)在符合本部的規定下,專利的所有人可就他指稱有權根據第73至75條阻止的任何侵犯行為在法院提起民事法律程序,並可(在不損害法院的其他司法管轄權的原則下)在該法律程序中提出以下申索─ 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第73,74,75條 *〉

(a) 要求作出強制令,以制止被告人作出意恐他作出的任何該類侵犯行為;
(b)要求作出命令,以規定被告人將其專利被侵犯的任何專利產品或將該產品屬其不可分拆的組成部分的任何物品交出或銷毀;
(c) 要求就該項侵犯獲支付損害賠償;
(d) 要求交出被告人自該項侵犯所取得的利潤;
(e) 要求作出宣布,謂該專利屬有效且為被告人所侵犯。
  1. (2) 法院不得就同一項侵犯判給專利的所有人損害賠償兼命令向他交出利潤。
  2. 除本部另有規定外,法院在決定是否批予根據本條申索的任何種類濟助和在決定獲批予濟

助的範圍時,須應用在緊接本部生效日期前法院就該類濟助所應用的原則。
〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 61 U.K.; 1992 No. 1 s. 47 Eire〕

條: 81 對追討專利遭侵犯的損害賠償的限制 30/06/1997
  1. 在因專利遭侵犯而提起的法律程序中,凡被告人證明在侵犯的日期並不知悉亦無合理理由假設該專利已存在,則不得判給損害賠償,亦不得作出須由被告人交出所得利潤的命令。
  2. 就第(1)款而言,任何人不得只因“專利”或“取得專利”、“patent”或“patented”的文字或任何明示或暗示已取得專利的文字已加於某產品上而被當作已知悉或已有合理理由假設該產品已取得專利,但如所涉的文字附有該專利的編號,則屬例外。
  3. 在因專利遭侵犯而提起的法律程序中,法院如認為合適,可拒絕就在根據第39(4)或126(5)條(視屬何情況而定)所指明的任何進一步期間內但在為該款的施行而訂明的續期費和任何附加費的繳付之前的侵犯,判給任何損害賠償或作出任何該等的命令。
  4. 凡任何專利的說明書的修訂已根據本條例獲容許,則除非法院信納原先所發表的說明書是真誠地且以合理水平的技術和知識擬定的,否則即使該專利乃於決定容許上述修訂或依據第43(2)條記錄該項修訂(視屬何情況而定)的日期前遭侵犯,亦不得在因而提起的法律程序中判給任何損害賠償。
    1. 在不限制第(4)款的效力下,凡法院根據第46(1)條作出命令容許對任何專利的說明書作出修訂,則不得在任何法律程序中就任何在作出該命令的日期之後但在為第46(5)條的施行而將該命令的文本提交處長之前的期間內所犯的對該專利的侵犯而判給損害賠償。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 62 U.K.〕
  5. 如在因某一專利遭侵犯而提起的法律程序中,該專利的有效性成為爭論點,而該專利被裁斷為只屬局部有效,則法院在符合第(2)款的規定下,可就該專利被裁斷為有效的且遭侵犯的部分批予濟助。
  6. 凡在任何上述法律程序中,某一專利被裁斷為只屬局部有效,則除非原告人證明該專利的說明書是真誠地且以合理水平的技術和知識擬定的,否則法院不得藉判給損害賠償或訟費的方式而批予濟助,而在此情況下,法院可就該有效的且遭侵犯的專利的部分批予濟助,但須受法院在訟費方面和在開始計算損害賠償的日期方面的酌情決定權所規限。
    1. 法院可因應根據第102條提出修訂某專利的說明書的申請而作出須將該說明書修訂至令法院滿意的程度的指示,作為根據第(1)或(2)款批予濟助的一項條件。而不論所有其他爭論點是否已在該法律程序中予以裁定,仍可提出該類申請。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 63 U.K.〕
    1. 凡已就某項發明批予專利,而在有關的標準專利的申請的當作提交日期或有關的短期專利的申請的提交日期(視屬何情況而定)前,或在優先權的日期前(如有人聲稱具有優先權),任何人在香港─
    2. (a) 真誠地作出一項假如上述專利已生效即會構成對其侵犯的作為;或
  7. (b) 真誠地作出有效而認真的準備工作以作出上述作為, 則他具有第(2)款所指明的權利。
條: 82 就局部有效的專利遭侵犯而批給濟助 30/06/1997
條: 83 繼續使用在優先權日期前已開始的權利 30/06/1997

(2) 第(1)款所提述的權利─

(a) 是作出或繼續作出(視屬何情況而定)第(1)款所提述的作為的權利;
(b) 在上述作為或其準備工作已在某業務的過程中作出的情況下─
(i) 就個人而言─
(A) 是將作出該項作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於死亡時轉傳的權利;或
(B) 在該項作為或其準備工作已是在業務的過程中作出的情況下,是授權他當其時在該業務中的任何合夥人作出該作為的權利;
(ii) 就法人團體而言,是將作出該項作為的權利轉讓或將該項權利於該團體解散時轉

傳的權利, 而憑藉本款作出該項作為,不構成對有關的專利的侵犯。

(3) 第(2)款所指明的權利不包括批予任何人特許以作出第(1)款所提述的作為的權利。

(4)凡任何專利產品是在行使第(2)款所賦予的權利下被處置而轉予另一人的,則該另一人和任何透過他提出申索的人,可用猶如該產品已由該專利的註冊所有人處置一樣的同一方法處理該產品。

〔比照 1992 No. 1 s. 55 Eire〕

附註:

具追溯力的修訂─見1998年第25號第2

  1. 如在法院進行的任何法律程序中,某一專利的任何程度的有效性受到抗辯,而該專利由法院裁斷為全部或局部有效,則法院可核證其裁斷和該專利的有效性曾受如此抗辯的事實。
  2. 凡已根據本條批給證明書,則如在因有關專利遭侵犯或因該專利被撤銷而在法院進行的其後的法律程序中,法院作出判依賴該專利有效性的一方勝訴的最終命令或判決,則除非法院另有指示,否則該一方有權按彌償基準獲判給訟費(但在其後的法律程序的上訴的訟費則除外),彌償基準具有《高等法院規則》(第4章,附屬法例A)第62號命令第28條中出現的“彌償基準”一詞所指的涵義。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂)

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 65 U.K.〕

(1) 在第73條適用於有2名或多於2名共同所有人的專利時,凡提述所有人─

(a)就任何作為而言,須解釋為提述憑藉第54條或該條所提述的任何協議有權作出該項作為而不構成一項侵犯的一名或多於一名的所有人;及
(b)就任何同意而言,須解釋為提述憑藉第54條或任何上述協議而屬給予所需同意的適當人士的一名或多於一名所有人。
    1. 任何專利的2名或多於2名的共同所有人的其中一人,可未經其他共同所有人贊同而就任何被指稱侵犯該專利的作為提起法律程序,但除非該人使其他共同所有人成為該法律程序的一方,否則不得如此行事,而除非依據本款成為被告人的任何共同所有人呈交應訴書和參與該法律程序,否則該等共同所有人不須承擔任何訟費或開支。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 66 U.K.〕
  1. 在符合本條規定下,在某一專利下的專用特許的持有人在獲發給特許的日期後就該專利的任何侵犯所具有的提起法律程序的權利,與該專利的所有人所具有的一樣;而凡在與侵犯專利有關的本條例的條文中提述該專利的所有人,亦須據此解釋。
  2. 法院在任何上述法律程序中判給損害賠償或批予任何其他濟助時,須考慮該專用特許持有人在該項侵犯構成對專用特許持有人以其身分所具權利的侵犯的範圍內,因該項侵犯而以其身分所蒙受或相當可能以其身分蒙受的任何損失,或得自該項侵犯的利潤(視屬何情況而定)。
  3. 在專利特許持有人憑藉本條提起的任何法律程序中,須使該專利的所有人成為該法律程序的一方,但如該所有人依據本款成為被告人,則除非他呈交應訴書和參與該法律程序,否則不須承擔訟費或開支。
條: 86 專用特許持有人因專利遭侵犯而提起的法律程序 30/06/1997

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 67 U.K.〕

條: 87 沒有註冊對因侵犯專利而提起的法律程序的效力 30/06/1997

凡任何人憑藉第52條所適用的任何交易、文書或事件成為某一專利的所有人或其中一名所有人或成為專用特許持有人,則除非─

(a)將該交易、文書或事件的訂明詳情註冊的申請在其日期起計的6個月期間結束前已提出;或
(b)法院信納在該期間結束前提出上述申請並非切實可行,而一項上述申請已於其後在切

實可行範圍內盡快提出, 否則他無權就在上述交易、文書或事件的日期後但在該交易、文書或事件的訂明詳情已註冊前對該專利的任何侵犯,而獲得損害賠償或獲得交出所得的利潤。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 68 U.K.〕

條: 88 侵犯藉發表標準專利的申請而賦予的權利 30/06/1997

詳列交互參照: 第85,86,87條

(1)在符合本條規定下,凡某標準專利的申請已發表,則自發表日期起直至該標準專利的批予為止,申請人所具有的權利,與他就假設該專利已於發表該項申請的日期獲批予則本會侵犯該專利的任何作為而具有提起法律程序以要求損害賠償的權利相同。

    1. (2) 為進一步闡明第(1)款,凡在第73、74、75、80、81以及85至87條提述─
      1. (a)關乎任何標準專利的專利和專利的所有人,須分別解釋為包括提述該標準專利的申請和其申請人;及 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第85,86,87條 *〉
      2. (b)關乎任何標準專利的現正生效、現已批予、現正有效或現存的專利,亦須據此解釋;而為此目的,在第81(3)條中提述第39(4)條,須理解為提述第33(4)條。
    1. (3) 申請人只─
      1. (a) 在上述標準專利已獲批予後;及
      2. (b)在以下情況下︰假設該專利在記錄請求的發表日期已獲批予,則該項作為不單已侵犯該標準專利,還已侵犯以在已予發表的記錄請求中的形式所載的權利要求(按在有關的說明或權利要求中所提述的說明或任何繪圖予以解釋),

方有權憑藉本條就任何作為提起法律程序。

(4)第81(4)條不適用於對本條所賦予的權利的侵犯,但法院在考慮就該等侵犯而判給的任何損害賠償的款額時,須從已發表的標準專利的申請的情況來考慮,預期將某一專利批予,使專利所有人能就被裁斷為與侵犯上述權利的作為屬同一類別的任何作為而獲該專利賦予的保護,是否本會是合理的;如法院裁斷如此預期本會是不合理的,則須將損害賠償減至法院認為公正的款額。

(5)如任何標準專利的申請已遭拒絕或撤回或當作已被撤回,則申請人須當作從未具有第(1)款

所列的權利。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 69 U.K.〕

條: 89 對無理威脅提起關於侵犯的法律程序的補救 30/06/1997
  1. 除第(4)款另有規定外,凡任何人(不論是否專利的所有人或享有專利中任何權利的人)以通告、公告或其他方式向另一人威脅提起關於侵犯某專利的法律程序,因該等威脅而受屈的人(不論他是否該等威脅所針對的人)可為第(3)款所述的任何濟助而在法院提起針對該名作出威脅的人的法律程序。
    1. 在任何上述法律程序中,原告人如證明該等威脅如此作出,並令法院信納他是因該等威脅而受屈的人,則除非─
    2. (a)被告人證明他威脅提起法律程序所關乎的作為屬構成某一專利的侵犯的作為,或如作出該作為便會屬構成該專利的侵犯的作為;及
    1. (b) 原告人並無證明指稱遭侵犯的專利在某一有關方面屬無效, 否則原告人有權獲得所申索的濟助。
    2. (3) 上述濟助是─
      1. (a) 作出宣布謂該等威脅是不能獲充分理據支持的;
      2. (b) 制止繼續作出該等威脅的強制令;及
      3. (c) 就原告人因該等威脅而已蒙受的損害(如有的話)判給損害賠償。
  2. 凡某項侵犯被指稱是由製造任何用以推出市場的產品或由使用任何方法構成的,則不得就任何提起關於該項侵犯的法律程序的威脅而根據本條提起法律程序。

(5) 就本條而言,任何關於某一專利存在的通知本身並不構成提起法律程序的威脅。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 70 U.K.〕

條: 90 就無侵犯專利而作出的宣布 30/06/1997

在不損害法院根據本條以外的規定作出宣布的司法管轄權的原則下,在作出或擬作出某項作為的人與某一專利的所有人之間的法律程序中,如證明─

(a)該人為取得一份其意思一如以下宣布所聲稱之事的承認書,已以書面向該所有人提出申請,並已以書面向該所有人提供所涉作為的全部詳情;而

(b) 該所有人已拒絕或沒有給予任何上述承認書, 則即使該所有人並無作出相反的宣稱,法院仍可作出一項宣布,謂該項作為並不構成對該專利的侵犯或該項擬作出的作為不會構成上述侵犯。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 71 U.K.〕

條: 91 因應申請而撤銷專利的權力 L.N. 136 of 2007 26/11/2007

第XII部專利的撤銷 一般條文

(1) 在符合本條例的規定下,法院可因應任何人的申請而基於(但亦只可基於)任何以下理由藉命令撤銷就一項發明而批予的專利─

(a) 該項發明並非一項可享專利發明;
(b) 該專利已批予一名無權獲批予該專利的人;
(c)該專利的說明書沒有以足夠清楚和完整的方式披露該項發明至擅長有關技術的人能將其實行的程度; (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂)
(d)該專利的說明書中所披露的事宜,超出所提交的該專利的申請中所披露的事宜,或如該專利是因應根據第55(4)條提出的新的申請或在第22或116條所述的情況下而批予的,則超出所提交的較早的專利申請中所披露的事宜;
(e)該專利所賦予的保護的範圍已由該專利的申請或該專利的說明書的任何修訂所擴大,而該修訂是無效的;
(f) 該專利是就同一發明而批予的2項標準專利之一,而該2項標準專利的申請均由同一人提交,並具有同一當作提交日期;
(g)該專利是就同一發明而批予的2項短期專利之一,而該2項短期專利的申請均由同一人提交,並具有同一提交日期;
(h) (i) 該專利是就同一發明而批予的2項專利之一,而該2項專利中一項是標準專利,另一項是短期專利,且該2項專利的申請均由同一人提交,並具有同一當作提交日期或提交日期;及
(ii) 該2項專利的所有權不屬於同一人;
(i) 就標準專利而言,其相應指定專利已在於指定專利當局所進行訂明的反對或撤銷專利的法律程序後遭撤銷。

(2) 根據本條作出的命令─

(a) 可以是無條件撤銷有關專利的命令;或

(b)(凡法院裁定第(1)(a)至(h)款所述理由的其中一項已予證明,但只令該專利在有限範圍內失效)可以是以下命令︰除非在指明時間內將有關的說明書根據第102條予以修訂至令法院滿意的程度,否則該專利應予撤銷。

    1. (3) 在第(1)(f)、(g)及(h)款中─
      1. (a)凡提述任何專利的申請的提交日期或當作提交日期,須理解為提述該項申請的該日期或(如有人聲稱就該項申請具有優先權)該項申請的優先權的日期;
        1. (b) 凡提述2項專利的申請均由同一人提交,須理解為提述該種情況或以下情況─
          1. (i) 提交其中一項申請的人是提交另一項申請的人的所有權繼承人;或
          2. (ii) 提交該等申請的人兩者均是該項發明的同一前所有人的所有權繼承人。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 72 U.K.; EPC Art. 138]
  1. (1) (a)只有在為要求作出某項宣布而提出的訴訟中或根據第55條作出的轉介中經法院裁斷為有權獲批予某一專利的人,或有權獲批予所謀求撤銷的專利的說明書中所包含的部分事宜的專利的人,方可基於第91(1)(b)條所述的理由提出撤銷該專利的申請;如多於一人被裁斷為有權獲如此批予,則只有所有該等人方可提出撤銷該專利的申請;及

(b)即使(a)段另有規定,如為要求作出一項宣布而提出的訴訟或根據第55條作出的轉介是在所謀求撤銷的專利的批予日期起計的2年期間結束後始作出的,則不得基於第91(1)(b)條所述的理由提出撤銷該專利的申請;但如證明註冊為該專利的所有人的任何人在該專利批予或移轉予他時已知道他無權獲得該專利,則屬例外。

(2)法院在接獲基於第91(1)(f)、(g)或(h)條所述的理由而提出撤銷某一專利的申請時,除非已給予每一專利的所有人提出論述和修訂該專利的說明書的機會,否則不得作出撤銷該專利的命令;如該等所有人不能令法院信納就同一項發明並無2項專利,或沒有修訂其中一份或一併修訂兩份說明書以免就同一項發明有2項專利,則法院須撤銷該2項專利中其第39(1)或126(1)條(視屬何情況而定)所指的有效期所餘期間較短的一項,或如2項專利所餘有效期的長短相同,則法院須撤銷該2項專利的任何一項。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 72 U.K.〕

可享專利發明

  1. (1) 何發明如能作工業應用,並且是新穎的和包含創造性,即屬可享專利。
    1. (2) 現特別指明以下事項不得視為第(1)款所指的發明─
      1. (a) 任何發現、科學理論或數學方法;
      2. (b) 任何美學上的創作;
      3. (c)用以實行智力活動、進行遊戲或進行業務的任何計劃、規則或方法,或用於電腦的任何程式;
      4. (d) 資料的呈示。
  1. 第(2)款只在任何專利和專利申請與該款所提述的標的事項或活動有關的範圍內豁除該事項或活動的可享專利性。
  2. 藉外科手術或治療以醫治人體或動物身體的任何方法,以及施行於人體或動物身體的任何診斷方法,不得就第(1)款而言視為一項能作工業應用的發明,但本款不適用於在任何該等方法中所使用的產品,尤其不適用於在任何該等方法中所使用的物質或合成物。
  3. 凡任何發明的公布或實施是會違反公共秩序或道德的,均不屬一項可享專利發明;但任何發明的實施不得只因其被在香港施行的任何法律所禁止而當作違反公共秩序或道德。

(6)任何植物或動物品種或用作生產植物或動物的基本上屬生物學的方法(微生學方法或藉該方

法所得的產品除外),不屬可享專利。 〔比照 EPC Art. 52 & 53; 1977 c. 37 ss. 1 & 4 U.K.; 1992 No. 1 ss. 9 & 10 Eire〕

(1) 任何發明如並不構成現有技術的一部分,須視為新穎的。 (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂)

(2)現有技術須視作藉書面或口頭的說明、藉使用或以任何其他方法在以下日期前提供予在香港或其他地方的公眾人士的一切事物─ (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂)

(a)就有關發明而提出的標準專利的申請的當作提交日期,如有人聲稱具有優先權,則為優先權的日期;或
(b)就有關發明而提出的短期專利的申請的提交日期,如有人聲稱具有優先權,則為優先

權的日期, 兩者以較早者為準。

(3) 此外,現有技術須當作包含以下申請的內容─ (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂)

(a) 已提交的任何標準專利的申請,而─
(i) 其當作提交日期或(如有人聲稱具有優先權)優先權的日期是在第(2)款所提述的日期之前的;及
(ii) 其相應指定專利申請已於第(2)款所提述的日期當日或之後在指定專利當局發表;
(b) 已在指定專利當局提交的任何指定專利申請,而─
(i) 其提交日期或(如有人在指定專利當局聲稱具有優先權)指定專利當局所設定的優先權的日期是在第(2)款所提述的日期之前的;及
(ii) 該項申請已由指定專利當局於第(2)款所提述的日期當日或之後發表;或
(c) 任何短期專利申請,而─
(i) 其提交日期或(如有人聲稱具有優先權)優先權的日期是在第(2)款所提述的日期之前的;及
(ii) 依據該項申請任何短期專利已於第(2)款所提述的日期當日或之後根據本條例發表。
    1. 凡現有技術所包含的任何物質或合成物用於第93(4)條所提述的任何方法中,而該物質或合成物在該款所提述的任何方法中的用途並不包含在現有技術中,則第(1)至(3)款不得豁除該物質或合成物的可享專利性。 (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂)
    2. [比照 EPC Art. 54; 1977 c. 37 s. 2 U.K.; 1992 No. 1 s. 11 Eire]
    1. 就一項標準專利申請而言,有關發明的披露如在不早於該項申請的當作提交日期前6個月的時間發生,而其發生是因為以下事情或屬以下事情的後果─
      1. (a) 就申請人或當其時該項發明的任何所有人而言對該項發明的任何明顯的濫用;或
      2. (b)申請人或當其時該項發明的任何所有人已於某一訂明的展覽或會議中展示該項發明的
條: 95 就標準專利申請而言的不具損害性的披露 30/06/1997

事實, 則為使第94條適用於該項申請(但須符合第15(2)(f)條的規定),該項披露不得予以考慮。

(2)第(1)(b)款只有在上述申請人於提交相應指定專利申請時,已按照指定專利當局關乎不具損

害性的披露的法律述明該項發明已予如此展示,方具有效力。 〔比照 EPC Art. 55〕

條: 96 創造性 L.N. 136 of 2007 26/11/2007
  1. 如在顧及現有技術後,某項發明對擅長有關技術的人而言並非是明顯的,則該項發明須視為包含創造性。
  2. 為施行第(1)款,如現有技術亦包括第94(3)條所指的文件,則在決定是否已有創造性時,不須考慮該等文件。

(由2007年第136號法律公告修訂) [比照 EPC Art. 56]

條: 97 工業應用 30/06/1997

任何發明如能夠在任何種類的工業(包括農業)中作出或使用,即是為能作工業應用。 〔比照 EPC Art. 57〕

條: 98 優先權利 30/06/1997

標準專利申請的優先權

  1. 本條適用於就某項發明而提出的指定專利申請的所有人,該所有人基於在某一巴黎公約國內就同一發明的專利或其他保護提出的較早申請,而根據指定專利當局的法律在該項較早申請的提交日期後的12個月期間內,享有優先權利。
    1. 凡就屬指定專利申請的標的之發明而提交標準專利的申請,則就該等提交而言,上述的人或其所有權繼承人所享有的優先權利,須與他就該指定專利申請而根據指定專利當局的法律所享有的相同。
    2. (3) 第(1)及(2)款亦於以下情況適用─
      1. (a) 該項較早申請是在一個不屬巴黎公約國的國家、地區或地方內提交的;及
      2. (b)在指定專利當局中所享有的優先權利,是在一份國際協議簽訂後而批予的,而香港屬協議一方或其他情況下由協議的任何一方將該協議施行於香港,該份協議規定上述的優先權的批予乃基於在該國家、地區或地方或為該國家、地區或地方所作的最先提交,並受限於與《巴黎公約》所訂下的條件相等的條件。
    1. 凡在本條中提述指定專利當局的法律,包括提述就以下情況作出規定的指定專利當局的法律─
      1. (a)在該情況下,在任何巴黎公約國所作的提交,凡根據該國的當地法律或根據雙邊或多邊協議相等於正規國家提交者,即產生優先權利;
      2. (b)在該情況下,為決定優先權誰屬的目的,就一項過往的最先申請所涉的同一標的事項而作出的且是在同一巴黎公約國或就同一巴黎公約國提交的其後的專利的申請,即視為最先申請;
      3. (c) 在該情況下,可就一項指定專利申請聲稱具有多項優先權。
      1. (5) 本條所賦予的權利須受第15(2)(e)及23(3)(c)條所規限。
      2. (6) 在本條中,“巴黎公約國”(Paris Convention country) 指除香港外的屬《巴黎公約》立約一方

的國家或地區,或該公約所延伸適用的任何該等國家的屬土。 [比照 EPC Art. 87 & 88;1992 No. 1 ss. 25 & 26 Eire;1977 c. 37 s. 5 U.K.]

  1. 根據第98條賦予的優先權利具有以下效力︰使在指定專利當局享有的優先權的日期須為本條例的施行而視為有關的標準專利申請的優先權的日期。
  2. 凡某一專利依據一項標準專利申請而獲批予,而其所有人就該項申請享有如第98條所規定的優先權利,該專利不得僅因較早的申請(亦即在指定專利當局據之而享有優先權利的申請)所披露的任何標的事項已在該項較早申請的提交日期後的任何時間提供予公眾此一事實而告失效。

〔比照 EPC Art. 89; 1992 No. 1 s. 27 Eire〕

專利的權利

(1) 除第(2)款另有規定外,專利的權利須屬於有關的發明人或其所有權繼承人。

(2)如發明人是一名僱員,則專利的權利誰屬的問題,須按照該僱員全時間或主要受僱的所在國家、地區或地方的法律而決定;如不能確定該僱員在那一個國家、地區或地方受僱,但他隸屬其僱主在某國家、地區或地方設有的業務地點,則上述問題須按該業務地點的所在國家、地區或地方的法律而決定。

(3) 如有2人或多於2人各自獨立地作出某項發明,則─

(a)在已就該項發明而申請或獲批予標準專利的各人之間,該專利的權利屬於就該項標準
專利的申請而言其相應指定專利申請的提交日期或(如有人聲稱具有優先權)優先權的日期屬較早或最早的人;或
(b)在已就該項發明而申請或獲批予短期專利的各人之間,該專利的權利屬於就該項短期專利的申請而言其提交日期或(如有人聲稱具有優先權)優先權的日期屬較早或最早的人;或
(c)凡有一人或多於一人已申請或已獲批予一項標準專利,而亦有一人或多於一人獲批予一項短期專利,則該專利的權利屬於就其申請而言在(a)及(b)段(視何者適用而定)指明的日期屬較早或最早的人,

但在應用(a)及(c)段時,只須顧及已根據本條例發表的標準專利的申請。 〔比照 EPC Art. 60;1992 No. 1 s. 16 Eire〕

有效性的爭論

(1) 在符合本條的以下條文的規定下,對任何專利的有效性的爭論可在以下法律程序中提出─

(a)在因專利遭侵犯而根據第80條提起的法律程序中,或就標準專利而言,因藉申請的發表而賦予的權利遭侵犯而根據第88條提起的法律程序中,藉抗辯書提出;
(b) 在根據第89條提起的法律程序中;
(c) 在根據第90條就該專利尋求一項宣布的法律程序中;
(d) 根據第91條為撤銷該專利在法院進行的法律程序中;
(e) 在根據第72條提起的法律程序中。
  1. 不得在任何其他法律程序中對專利的有效性提出爭論,尤其不得只為某一專利的有效性或無效性尋求一項宣布而(不論根據本條例與否)提起法律程序。
  2. 不論在根據第91條提出的撤銷專利的法律程序或其他法律程序中,可對任何專利的有效性提出爭論的理由只可基於可據以根據該條撤銷該專利的各項理由。

(4) 凡任何人基於第91(1)(b)條所述理由對某一專利的有效性提出爭論,則除非─

(a) (i) 在該人所展開的享有權法律程序中;或
(ii) 在該專利的有效性為爭論點的法律程序中,
已裁定該專利本應批予該人而非其他人;及
(b) 除在(a)(i)段所述情況外─
(i) 該專利的有效性為爭論點的法律程序是在由批予該專利的日期起計的2年終止前展開的;
(ii) 已證明任何註冊為該專利的所有人的人在該專利批予他或移轉予他時是知道他無

權獲得該專利的, 否則不得在第(1)款所述的任何法律程序中作出任何裁定。

  1. 凡關乎任何專利的有效性的爭論乃藉抗辯書或反申索而提出,則法院如認為公正,須給予被告人遵守第(4)(a)款中的條件的機會。
  2. (6) 在第(4)款中,“享有權法律程序”(entitlement proceedings) 就任何專利而言,指基於該專利已批予一名無權獲得該專利的人為理由而根據第55(1)條作出的轉介,或為取得關於該專利乃經如此批予的宣布而提起的法律程序。

[比照 1977 c. 37 s. 74 U.K.]

條: 102 在侵犯專利或撤銷專利的法律程序中修訂專利 30/06/1997

第XIII部

關於修訂專利和專利的申請的一般性條文

  1. 凡在法院進行的法律程序中,有對某一專利的有效性的爭論提出,在該法律程序中,法院在符合第103條的規定下,可容許該專利的所有人以法院認為合適的方式修訂該專利的說明書,但受到法院認為合適的關於所建議的修訂的公告方面和關於訟費、開支或其他方面的條款所規限。
  2. 任何人可給予法院通知,謂他反對該專利的所有人根據本條建議作出的修訂;如該人給予該通知,法院須通知該所有人,並須考慮該項反對,以決定應否容許該項修訂或任何修訂。
  3. 根據本條對任何專利的說明書所作的修訂,須自批予該專利的日期起具有效力,並須當作自該日期起已一直具有效力。

(4)法院規則可就給予處長本條所指的任何申請的通知,和就他因應該等申請的出庭以及法院

因應該等申請所作任何命令的執行,作出規定。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 75 U.K.〕

條: 103 對申請和專利的修訂不得包括附加事項 30/06/1997

(1) 以下的專利的申請─

(a)任何就在某較早的申請中或在某已獲批予的專利的說明書中所披露的事項而提出的專利的申請;及
(b)任何披露附加事項的專利的申請,即披露超越在提交的較早的申請中或專利的申請中

已披露的事項以外的事項, 可根據第55(4)條提交,或如第22或116條(視何者適當而定)所述般提交,但如該項申請擴大在所提交的申請中已披露的標的事項,則在所擴大的範圍內須屬無效。

  1. 凡根據第31條提交的標準專利的申請的任何修訂擴大在提交的申請中已披露的標的事項,則所作修訂在所擴大的範圍內須屬無效。
    1. 凡根據第46(1)或102條提交的專利說明書的任何修訂,或根據第43條提交的標準專利說明書的任何修訂─
      1. (a) 擴大在提交的申請中已披露的標的事項;或
      2. (b) 擴大該專利所賦予的保護範圍,

則所作修訂在所擴大的範圍內須屬無效。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 76 U.K.〕

條: 104 在處長席前進行的法律程序所採用的語文 30/06/1997

第XIV部 法律程序所採用的語文;真確文本

(1) 所提交的任何專利的申請書,必須採用其中一種法定語文。

  1. 除為施行本條而訂立的規則另有規定,和即使《法定語文條例》(第5章)第5條另有規定,在已提交的專利的申請書中所採用的法定語文,在關乎該項申請或其所致批予的專利而於處長席前進行的所有法律程序中,須用作為該等法律程序的語文。
    1. 凡就任何發明而提交的指定專利申請是採用其中一種法定語文的,則本條不得解釋為規定就該項發明提交的標準專利的申請須採用同一法定語文。
        1. (4) 可就以下事宜訂立規則─
          1. (a)就在根據本條例進行的法律程序中已向處長提交或須向處長提交的任何文件,規定須提交已翻譯成該法律程序的語文或已翻譯成其中一種法定語文或已一併翻譯成兩種法定語文的文件譯本;
          2. (b)就在處長席前進行的口頭的法律程序中任何人使用並非該等法律程序的語文,作出規定;
          3. (c)就在處長席前進行的法律程序中須作為證據之用而其所採用的語文並非該等法律程序的語文的文件,規定提交採用該其他語文的該文件及提交該文件已翻譯成該等法律程序的語文或已翻譯成其中一種法定語文的譯本;
          4. (d)就已提供或須提供予處長且須記入註冊紀錄冊內的資料,規定須一併以兩種法定語文提供該項資料;
          5. (e) 就一併以兩種法定語文記入註冊紀錄冊內的記項指明那一種語文的記項屬真確記項。
        1. (5) 為施行第(4)(a)或(d)款而訂立的規則─
          1. (a)可指明翻譯成該等法律程序的語文或法定語文的文件譯本須予提交的期限,或採用法定語文的資料須予提供的期限;
          2. (b)可就因應該等法律程序的任何一方的申請而延展該等期限,作出規定,並可規定須就該等延期的申請繳付一筆懲罰性的費用。

除第106條另有規定外,採用在處長席前進行的法律程序的語文的任何專利或專利的申請的文本,在處長席前或在法院進行的任何法律程序中,即屬真確文本。 〔比照 EPC Art. 70(1)〕

(1)除第(2)款另有規定外,採用在指定專利當局進行的法律程序的語文的相應指定專利或相應指定專利申請的說明書的文本,就根據本條例在處長席前或在法院進行的關乎標準專利或標準專利申請的任何法律程序而言,即分別為該標準專利或標準專利申請的說明書的真確文本。

(2) 如─

(a) 在指定專利當局進行的法律程序的語文並非任何一種法定語文;及
(b)翻譯成其中一種法定語文的相應指定專利或相應指定專利申請所賦予的保護較諸其採

用在指定專利當局進行的法律程序的語文所賦予的保護為狹窄, 則就根據本條例進行的任何法律程序(撤銷專利的法律程序除外)而言,翻譯成其中一種法定語文的相應指定專利說明書或相應指定專利申請的權利要求的譯本,即分別視為該標準專利的說明書或該標準專利申請的權利要求的真確文本。

(3)如第(2)款所述的任何譯本造成某指定專利或指定專利申請賦予較狹窄的保護,則上述標準專利的所有人或申請人可向處長提交一份經更正的譯本,而如該所有人或申請人在訂明的期限內繳付訂明的費用,則處長須發表該份經更正的譯本,但─

(a)如有關發明的任何徵用(除因第69條外)按正確的譯本本會侵犯了該專利,但按原來的譯本卻不會侵犯該專利,或就一項申請而言,如該專利已獲批予,該項徵用便會如上述般侵犯了該專利,則不得根據該條追討為上述徵用而作出的任何付款;
(b)該所有人或申請人無權就任何按正確的譯本本會侵犯了該專利但按原來的譯本卻不會

侵犯該專利的作為,提起法律程序,或就一項申請而言,就任何在該專利已獲批予的

情況下便會如上述般侵犯了該專利的作為,提起法律程序, 除非在該項徵用或該項作為的作出前,該份經更正的譯本已由處長發表,或該所有人或申請人已將該份經更正的譯本以郵遞方式送交予或交付予徵用該項發明或批准其徵用的公職人員或被指稱已作出該項作為的人(視屬何情況而定)。

  1. 凡任何譯本的更正已根據第(3)款予以發表,但在其已如此發表前有人真誠地開始作出一項作為,而該項作為按原來的譯本是不會構成對有關的專利或申請的侵犯的,但根據經修訂的譯本(除因第69條外)則會構成一項侵犯,或有人真誠地進行有效而認真的準備工作,以作出該項作為,則他須享有第41(4)及(5)條所賦予的各項權利,而第41(6)條亦須據此而適用。
  2. (5) 在本條中,“在指定專利當局進行的法律程序的語文”(language of the proceedings before the designated patent office) 就相應指定專利或相應指定專利的申請而言,指在指定專利當局進行的關乎該專利或申請的法律程序中所須採用的語文。

[比照 1977 c. 37 s. 80 U.K.]

條: 107 專利或專利申請的修訂須載於真確文本 30/06/1997

專利的說明書或專利的申請的修訂,只可以該專利或申請的真確文本的語文作出。

條: 108 申請短期專利的權利 30/06/1997

第XV部 短期專利 短期專利的權利

  1. (1) 為根據第118條獲批予短期專利而提出的申請,可由任何人單獨或聯同另一人提出。
  2. (2) 就在處長席前進行的法律程序而言,申請人須當作有權行使上述短期專利的權利。
條: 109 不具損害性的披露 30/06/1997

可享專利性

某項發明的披露如在不早於提交有關的短期專利申請前6個月的時間發生,且其發生是因為以下事情或屬以下事情的後果─

(a) 就申請人或當其時該項發明的任何所有人而言對該項發明的任何明顯的濫用;或
(b)該申請人或其法律上的前任人已在某一正式的或獲正式認可的國際展覽上展示該項發明,而該展覽屬在1928年11月22日於巴黎簽訂而適用於香港的《國際展覽公約》中的條款所指的展覽,

則為第94條的施行,該項披露不得予以考慮,但(b)段只於以下情況適用︰所提交的短期專利申請載有一項陳述,其意是該項發明已經如此展示,並載有符合任何訂明條件的支持該項陳述的書面證據。

〔比照 EPC Art. 55〕

優先權

(1) 凡任何人─

(a)已在任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方或已為任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方就一項發明提交專利或其他保護的申請;或

(b) 已在香港就一項發明根據本部提交短期專利的申請, 則為就同一發明而根據本部提交的其後提出的短期專利的申請的目的,在符合任何訂明條件的情況下,該人或其所有權繼承人須在由最先申請的提交日期後12個月的期間內享有優先權利。

(2) 為就第(1)款(a)段所指明的提交而適用的該款的施行─

(a)凡任何申請的提交在某一巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方根據當地的法例或根據雙邊或多邊協議相等於正規國家提交,則每一該等申請須獲承認為產生優先權利;
(b)就一項過往的最先申請所涉的同一標的事項而提出且是在同一巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方或為同一巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方提交的其後的專利或其他保護的申請,在(並只有在)以下條件下須為決定優先權誰屬而視為最先申請:在該項其後的申請的提交日期,上述過往的申請已在沒有公開予公眾查閱和沒有留下任何有待解決的權利的情況下被撤回、放棄或拒絕,亦未有被用作聲稱具有優先權利的根據;
(c)凡任何其後的專利或其他保護的申請依據(b)段被視為最先申請,則上述過往的申請此

後不可用作聲稱具有優先權利的根據, 而在本款中,“正規國家提交”(regular national filing) 指確立有關申請的提交日期的任何提交,不論該項申請的結果如何。

(3) 為就第(1)款(b)段所指明的提交而適用的該款的施行─

(a)每一本部所指的短期專利申請的正規提交須獲承認為就本部所指的其他申請而言產生優先權利;
(b)就一項過往的最先短期專利申請所涉的同一標的事項而其後根據本部提出的短期專利的申請,在(並只有在)以下條件下須為決定優先權誰屬而視為最先申請︰在該項其後的申請的提交日期,上述過往的申請已在沒有公開予公眾查閱和沒有留下任何有待解決的權利的情況下被撤回、放棄或拒絕,亦未有被用作聲稱具有優先權利的根據;
(c)凡任何其後的短期專利的申請依據(b)段被視為最先申請,則上述過往的短期專利申請

此後不可用作聲稱具有優先權利的根據, 而在本款中,“短期專利申請的正規提交”(regular filing of an application for a short-term patent) 指確立有關短期專利申請的提交日期的任何提交,不論該項申請的結果如何。

(3A) 凡有某項優先權利是因在任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方或為任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方就一項發明提交專利或其他保護的申請,或根據本部提交短期專利的申請而產生的,則該優先權利的轉讓或其以其他方式的轉傳可連同該項申請進行或獨立地進行,而第(1)款所提述的人的“所有權繼承人”須據此解釋。 (由2001年第2號第8條增補)

    1. (4) 在本條中,“專利或其他保護的申請”(application for a patent or other protection) 指在任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方或為任何巴黎公約國或世界貿易組織成員國、地區或地方提交的專利的申請或實用新型的註冊申請或實用證明書或發明人證書的申請。
    2. [比照 EPC Art. 87;1992 No. 1 s. 25 Eire]
  1. 欲利用任何過往的申請的優先權的短期專利申請人,須以訂明方式提交一份優先權陳述書和一份該項過往的申請的副本。
  2. 可就一項短期專利申請聲稱具有多項優先權(即使該等優先權源自不同國家),而如適當的話,可就任何一項權利要求聲稱具有多項優先權。
  3. 凡有人聲稱具有多項優先權,則自優先權的日期起計的時限須自最早的優先權的日期起計。
  4. 如有人就一項短期專利申請聲稱具有一項或多於一項優先權,則優先權利只涵蓋該項短期專利申請的以下要素︰已包括在就其聲稱具有優先權的一項或多於一項申請中的要素。
  5. 如已就其聲稱具有優先權的發明的某些要素沒有在過往的申請中所擬定的權利要求中出現,但該項過往的申請的文件在整體上明確地披露了該等要素,則仍可批予優先權。
條: 111 聲稱具有優先權 30/06/1997

(6)凡優先權陳述書已按照本條提交,則就在處長席前進行的法律程序而言,申請人須當作有

權享有該陳述書中所示的優先權利。 〔比照 EPC Art. 88〕

條: 112 優先權利的效力 30/06/1997
  1. 優先權利須具有以下效力:使根據第111條聲稱具有的過往申請的優先權的日期,為適用於本部的第94(2)及(3)條的施行,被視為有關的短期專利申請的優先權的日期。
  2. 凡一項短期專利申請已提交,且已根據第111條就一項過往的申請聲稱具有優先權,則即使本條例載有任何規定,該項短期專利申請和依據該項申請獲批予的任何短期專利,均不得僅因在該項過往的申請的提交日期後該項過往申請中所披露的任何標的事項已在任何時間提供予公眾此一事實而告失效。

[比照 EPC Art. 89]

條: 113 短期專利申請的規定 30/06/1997

申請

    1. (1) 每項短期專利的申請均須由申請人簽署和須以訂明方式提交予處長,並須載有─
      1. (a) 批予一項短期專利的請求;
        1. (b) 一份在表面上提供以下資料的說明書─
          1. (i) 該項申請所涉的發明的說明;
          2. (ii) 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;
          3. (iii) 上述說明或權利要求中提述的任何繪圖;
      2. (c) 一份撮錄;及
      3. (d) 一份關於該項發明的查檢報告。
    1. (2) 任何短期專利的申請─
      1. (a) 須述明該申請人的姓名或名稱及地址;
      2. (b)須識別該申請人所相信是發明人的人或人等,並須指明該人或該等人的最後為人所知的地址;
      3. (c)凡該申請人並非唯一的發明人,或各申請人並非共同發明人,則須載有他或他們從何取得該短期專利的權利的行使權的陳述;及
      4. (d) 須指明在香港供送達文件的地址。
    1. 每項該等申請亦須符合本條例就以其中一種法定語文或一併以兩種法定語文提供資料方面或在將文件翻譯成其中一種法定語文或一併翻譯成兩種法定語文方面所訂的規定。
    2. (4) 規則可規定─
      1. (a) 任何短期專利申請須載有或可載有有關發明的名稱和該項發明所屬分類的指定;
        1. (b) 以下事項須以或可以何種方式載於任何短期專利申請書中─
          1. (i) 按照第(2)款作出的關乎發明人的或關乎申請人可獲批予的權利來源的任何陳述;
          2. (ii) 按照第111條所作出的就任何較早的專利申請具有優先權的聲稱和該條所指的支持優先權的文件;
          3. (iii) 按照第119條提出的押後批予專利的任何請求;
          4. (iv) 按照第109條提出關於不具損害性的披露的任何權利要求;
          5. (v) 就任何需要使用某一微生物而實行的發明而言,關於備有該微生物樣本提供予公眾此一情況的資料。
  1. 提交費及公告費須在最早向處長提交申請的任何部分後的1個月內繳付;如該兩項費用的任何一項沒有在該期限內或根據第(6)款容許的進一步寬限期內繳付,則該申請須當作已被撤回。
    1. 規則可就未有在第(5)款所指明的時限內繳付的提交費或公告費給予寬限期一事作出規定,使該等費用在寬限期內仍可有效地繳付。
      1. (7) 上述條文不阻止任何藉符合第114(2)條規定的文件而提出的申請。
        1. (8) 在本條中,“查檢報告”(search report) 指符合以下條件的報告─
          1. (a)由訂明的查檢主管當局就關乎所涉發明的先有技術而承擔進行的查檢的報告,並且是基於有關的權利要求和適當地顧及有關說明和繪圖(如有的話)而製備的;及
          2. (b) 載有訂明資料。 [比照 1992 No. 1 s. 18 Eire;EPC Art. 78]
        1. (1) 處長須審查─
          1. (a)短期專利申請是否符合第(2)款在提交日期的設定方面所指明的規定(“最低限度的規定”);
          2. (b) 訂明的提交費及公告費是否已在限期之內繳付。
        1. (2) 短期專利申請的提交日期,須為申請人所提交載有以下各項的文件的最早日期─
          1. (a) 現正尋求一項短期專利的表示;
          2. (b) 識別申請人身分的資料;
          3. (c) 其中一部分在表面上看似是一項發明的說明。
  2. 如因在最低限度的規定方面有不足之處,以致不能設定提交日期,則處長須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。

(4)如該等不足之處沒有在規則所訂明的時間內更正,則該項申請不得作為一項短期專利申請

處理。 〔比照 EPC Art. 80 & 90〕

  1. 如任何短期專利申請的提交日期已予設定,且並沒有憑藉第113(5)條而當作已被撤回,則處長須審查第113條的規定和為施行該條而訂立的任何規則的規定(“形式上的規定”)是否已獲符合。
  2. 凡處長注意到在形式上的規定方面有不足之處,而該等不足之處是可更正的,則他須給予申請人按照規則更正該等不足之處的機會。
    1. (3) 如─
      1. (a) 在形式上的規定方面有不能更正的不足之處,則短期專利的申請須予拒絕;或
      2. (b)在根據第(1)款作出的審查中已注意到的在形式上的規定方面的不足之處沒有按照規則更正,則除第(4)款另有規定外,短期專利的申請須予拒絕,或如沒有採取任何步驟以更正該等不足之處,則該項申請須當作已被撤回。
  1. 如只關乎任何人聲稱具有的任何優先權利的不足之處沒有妥為更正,則該項申請的優先權

利即告喪失。 〔比照 EPC Art. 91〕

條: 116 短期專利的分開申請 L.N. 46 of 2001 01/04/2001

凡在任何短期專利的申請已提交後但在第122條所指的發表該專利的說明書的準備工作完成的日期前,有一項新的短期專利的申請由原來的申請人或其所有權繼承人按照將予訂明的規則提交,而該項新的申請─ (由2000年第64號第37條修訂)

(a) 是就上述較早的短期專利申請所載標的事項的任何部分而提出的;
(b) 符合有關規定,包括規則所指明的程序和時限;及

(c) 並不違反第103條, 則該項新的申請須被視為以該項較早的短期專利申請的提交日期作為其提交日期,並須具有任何優先權利的利益。

條: 117 僅為形式上的審查 30/06/1997

除有明文相反規定外,本部為由處長對就任何發明提出的短期專利的申請作出的審查而訂定的任何條文,不得解釋為對處長施加須為該等審查的目的而考慮或顧及任何以下問題的義務─

(a) 該項發明的可享專利性;
(b) 申請人是否有權享有該項申請中所聲稱具有的任何優先權;
(c) 該項發明是否已在申請中妥為披露;或
(d) 第45、77、78、79、93、94、96、97、100、109、110、111(2)至(6)或120(2)條內指明的任何事項。
條: 118 短期專利的批予和發表 L.N. 40 of 2004 07/05/2004

批予專利以及批予專利前的程序

    1. 如任何短期專利的申請經處長根據第115(1)條審查後證實已符合該條文的規定,或如處長根據第115(2)條注意到的不足之處在其後的審查中證實已按照有關規則更正,則除第119及124條另有規定外,處長須在上述審查後,在切實可行範圍內盡快就有關發明批予短期專利。
    2. (2) 在任何短期專利根據本條批予後,處長須在切實可行範圍內盡快─
      1. (a)以訂明方式公布該項短期專利的說明書、所有人的姓名或名稱和發明人(如與所有人不同)的姓名或名稱;
      2. (b) 發出批予證明書;及
      3. (c) 於官方公報刊登該項批予的事實的公告。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
  1. 在根據第(2)(a)款所作的任何發表中,除該款所指明的事宜外,處長亦可發表構成或關乎該項專利而處長認為適宜發表的任何其他事宜。
    1. 凡申請人在其短期專利的申請中請求處長將專利的批予押後一段在該項申請中指明的期間,則在─
    2. (a) 由第115(1)條的規定已證實獲符合的日期起計的該段期間或該申請人其後藉向處長提交通知而指明的較短期間屆滿之前;或
  2. (b) 該項申請的提交日期後的12個月屆滿之前, (兩者以首先屆滿者為準)不得在就該項申請批予短期專利。
  3. 凡有押後批予專利的請求已根據本條提出,則根據第118(1)條作出的任何批予須在憑藉本條而適用的押後期間屆滿後,盡快由處長作出。
  4. 在符合本條及第122及103條的規定下,在根據本部獲批予任何專利前的任何時間,申請人可按照訂明條件,主動修訂有關申請。
  5. 凡根據本條作出的任何修訂擴大所提交的申請中所披露的標的事項,則所作出的修訂在該擴大的範圍內須屬無效。
條: 119 應申請人的請求押後批予專利 30/06/1997
條: 120 在批予專利前修訂短期專利的申請 30/06/1997

(3)處長可在沒有任何申請為此目的向他提出的情況下,修訂載於短期專利的申請中的說明書

和撮錄,藉以承認某註冊商標。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 19 U.K.〕

條: 121 申請的撤回 L.N. 312 of 1998 11/09/1998
  1. 在短期專利獲批予前的任何時間,申請人可在符合第122條的規定下,以書面方式撤回其申請,而任何該等撤回均不可撤銷。
    1. 凡短期專利申請是根據本條撤回的或是根據本條例當作已被撤回的,或是根據本條例的任何條文予以拒絕的,則以下條文適用─
      1. (a) 申請人須繼續享有他在緊接該項撤回或拒絕之前根據第112條享有的優先權利;
      2. (b) 不得根據本條例就該項申請聲稱具有任何其他權利。 (由1998年第312號法律公告修訂)
條: 122 申請的撤回、修訂等的時效 30/06/1997

在根據第118(2)條將依據有關申請獲批予的短期專利的說明書發表的準備工作完成的日期後,不容許根據第121條撤回申請、根據第116條提出分開申請或根據第120條作出修訂。

條: 123 進一步處理短期專利申請及恢復關於該等申請的權利 30/06/1997

(1)第28(1)及(2)、29(1)及(2)及30條經作出所需的變通後,適用於任何短期專利的申請,猶如在該等條文中凡提述標準專利申請及第II部,即分別提述短期專利的申請及本部一樣。

  1. (2) 因第(1)款而適用的第28條,不適用於根據第113(5)條的申請當作被撤回的情況。
  2. (3) 因第(1)款而適用的第29條,不適用於沒有遵守第113、114或115條所定時限的情況。
條: 124 處長可拒絕批予短期專利 30/06/1997

處長如認為某項發明由於第93(5)條所指明的任何事宜而不屬可享專利發明,可拒絕就該項發明

批予短期專利,而處長須將拒絕批予短期專利一事通知申請人。

  1. 凡一項國際申請尋求實用新型的專利並指定中華人民共和國,而該項國際申請已在中華人民共和國進入其國家階段,則該項國際申請的申請人可申請就該項申請中披露的發明(如有的話)獲得短期專利。
    1. 依據本條提出的短期專利申請可於國際申請在中華人民共和國進入國家階段6個月後的日期前或於規則所訂明的其他日期前的任何時間提交。
        1. (3) 依據本條提出的短期專利申請須載有以下各項─
          1. (a) 由國際局根據《專利合作條約》第21條發表的國際申請的影印本;
          2. (b)根據《專利合作條約》第21(3)條發表的關乎該項國際申請的國際查檢報告的影印本(不論該報告是載於所發表的國際申請的或是分開發表的);
          3. (c) 國際申請在中華人民共和國進入國家階段的日期;
          4. (d)由國家知識產權局發表的國際申請的譯本(如有的話)的影印本;及 (由2001年第2號第9條修訂)
          5. (e) 在國家知識產權局發表的關於國際申請的任何資料的影印本。 (由2001年第2號第9條修訂)
      1. 第113條就依據本條作出的短期專利申請而適用,猶如該條的第(1)(b)至(d)款已由本條第
  2. (a)至(e)款所指明的文件的提述所取代一樣。
  3. 凡依據本條提出的任何申請導致短期專利的批予,該項申請須當作以國際申請為《專利合作條約》第11條的施行而獲設定的國際提交日期為其提交日期,而在本條例中,凡提述任何申請的提交日期,而是關乎已依據如本條所規定般提出的申請所批予的短期專利的,則亦須據此解釋。
  4. (6) 在本條中,“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。 (由2001年第2號第9條修訂)

關於批予專利後的短期專利的條文

(1) 根據本部批予的短期專利─

(a) 須在官方公報公告其批予的事實的日期生效;及 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
(b)在符合第(2)及(3)款的規定下,須維持有效,直至自該項專利的申請的提交日期起計的8年的期間結束為止。
  1. 如意欲在一項短期專利的申請的提交日期起計的第4年屆滿後將該短期專利再維持有效4年,則訂明的續期費須在該第4年的屆滿前的3個月期間內繳付;如沒有如此繳付該續期費,則短期專利在該第4年屆滿後須停止有效。
    1. 儘管有第(2)款的規定,凡批予短期專利的日期是在自該專利的申請的提交日期起計的第4年屆滿之後,則─
      1. (a)訂明的續期費可於自批予日期起計的3個月屆滿前的任何時間繳付,而一經繳付,該專利須在第(2)款所指明的4年的期間的餘下期間內維持有效;
      2. (b)如沒有按(a)段的規定繳付訂明的續期費,亦只有在該情況下,該專利方根據本條停止有效。
  2. 處長可藉規例修訂第(2)款所指明的期間,即自短期專利申請的提交日期起計的第4年屆滿前的期間。
    1. 如續期費及任何訂明的附加費已在第(2)或(3)款(視屬何情況而定)所指明的期間結束後的6個月內繳付,則該短期專利須視為猶如從未屆滿一樣,而據此─
      1. (a) 在該進一步的期間內根據或就該專利而作出的任何事情須屬有效;
      2. (b) 假如該專利未曾屆滿便會構成對該專利的侵犯的任何作為,即構成該項侵犯;及
      3. (c) 假如該專利未曾屆滿便會構成政府徵用該項專利發明的作為,即構成該項徵用。

(6) 行政長官會同行政會議可藉規例修訂─ (由1999年第22號第3條修訂)

(a) 第(1)(b)款所指明的期間,即某一短期專利須維持有效的期間;
(b)第(2)或(3)款所指明的期間,而某一短期專利如未予續期,則須參照該期間而停止有

效。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 25 U.K.]

條: 127 已失效的短期專利的恢復 30/06/1997

第40及41條經作出所需的變通後須適用於短期專利,猶如在該等條文中凡提述標準專利及第39條,即分別提述短期專利及第126條一樣。

條: 128 藉說明書而披露發明;微生物樣本的備有 L.N. 136 of 2007 26/11/2007

雜項條文

    1. 可藉規則訂定條文,訂明為某項需要使用某一微生物而實行的發明,在何種情況下其短期專利的申請的說明書或其短期專利的說明書須被視為以足夠清楚和完整的方式披露該項發明,以使擅長有關技術的人能實行該項發明。 (由2007年第136號法律公告修訂)
    2. (2) 規則尤其可規定有關的申請人或所有人─
      1. (a) 採取訂明的步驟備有上述微生物的樣本以提供予公眾;及
      2. (b) 除另有訂明外,不得在該等樣本可作的使用方面施加或維持限制。
    1. 規則可在訂明的情形下,規定樣本只需為提供予訂明的人或訂明類別的人而備有;規則亦可按處長是否已就任何事宜給予由他簽發的證明書而識別某一類別的人士。
      1. (4) 如規則的任何規定不再獲得遵守,則可根據第91(1)(c)條提出撤銷短期專利的申請。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 125A U.K.]
        1. (1) 為強制執行根據本條例就任何短期專利所賦予的權利而在法院進行的任何法律程序中─
          1. (a)須由該專利的所有人證明該專利的有效性,而就這方面而言,該專利已根據本部批予的事實,並無考慮價值;
          2. (b)由所有人提供的足以表面證明該專利的有效性的證據,須在沒有相反證據的情況下為該有效性的充分證明。
  1. 在根據本條例就任何短期專利而在法院進行的法律程序中,如有任何批予或拒絕根據第80(1)(a)條提出的強制令申請或根據第80(1)(b)條提出的命令申請的命令在非正審法律程序中作出,則任何一方可向法院申請一項就有關事宜及早進行審訊的命令,且在該一方已遵守法院規則的情況下,法院除非認為如此作出命令會使公正不獲維護,否則須作出該項命令。
條: 129 就短期專利而在法院進行的法律程序 30/06/1997

(3) 根據第(2)款作出及早審訊的命令的法院─

(a) 亦可作出關乎審訊前的期間而為該案件的公正所需的命令;
(b) 須藉命令決定審訊方式。
條: 130 不服處長的上訴 30/06/1997

第XVI部

雜項條文

    1. 除規則另有明文規定外,不服處長任何決定或命令的上訴須根據本條例向法院提出,而就本條文而言,“決定”(decision)包括處長在行使藉本條例或根據本條例賦予他的酌情決定權時作出的任何作為。
      1. (2) 凡根據本條例提出的上訴關乎一項沒有發表的專利申請,其聆訊須以非公開形式進行。
        1. (3) 在根據本條例提出的上訴中─
          1. (a) 處長須有權出庭或由他人代其出庭,並有權作出支持其決定或命令的陳詞;
          2. (b) 如法院指示處長出庭,則他必須出庭。
  1. 在根據本條例源自某法律程序而提出的上訴中,法院可行使在該法律程序中本可由處長行使的任何權力。
  2. 在法院進行的涉及任何更改或更正註冊紀綠冊的申請的法律程序中,處長須有權出庭或由他人代其出庭,並有權陳詞,而如法院指示處長出庭,則他必須出庭。
    1. 除非法院另有指示,否則處長可向法院呈交一份由他簽署的書面陳述以代出庭,該陳述書須提供以下詳情─
      1. (a) 就所爭論的事宜在處長席前進行的任何法律程序;
      2. (b) 對該事宜有影響的任何由處長作出的決定所據的理由;
      3. (c) 註冊處在同類個案中的慣常做法;或
  3. (d) 關乎該項爭論的且在處長所知的範圍內他認為合適的事宜, 而該陳述書須當作為構成在該等法律程序中的證據的一部分。
條: 131 處長在涉及註冊紀錄冊的法律程序中出庭 30/06/1997
條: 132 法院的一般權力 25 of 1998 s. 2 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的修訂─見1998年第25號第2

(1)法院在行使其在本條例下的原訟司法管轄權或上訴司法管轄權以裁定任何問題時,可作出處長本可作出的任何命令或行使處長本可行使的任何其他權力,以裁定該問題。

  1. (2) 可對法院的每一項命令向上訴法庭提出上訴。 (由1998年第25號第2條修訂) 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 99 U.K.〕
    1. (1) 凡根據本條例申請人可選擇向法院或向處長提出申請,則─
      1. (a) 如關乎所涉的專利或專利的申請的訴訟仍在待決中,則該項申請必須向法院提出;
      2. (b)如在任何其他情況下該項申請是向處長提出的,則處長可在有關的法律程序的任何階段將該項申請轉介法院,或可在聆聽該法律程序的各方後,對他們之間的問題作出裁
條: 133 選擇向法院或向處長提出申請的程序 30/06/1997

514 -專利條例

定,但他們可對該項裁定向法院提出上訴。

  1. (2) 第(1)款並不損害法院在本條以外就該款所提述的任何問題作出裁定的權力。
  2. (3) 第(1)款中提述選擇向法院或向處長提出申請,包括提述選擇將間題轉介法院或處長。 〔比照《商標條例》第80條〕
條: 134 在若干情況下的舉證責任 30/06/1997

(1)如為某發明批予專利,而該發明屬取得一種新產品的方法,則除非證明情況相反,否則不屬該專利的所有人或其特許持有人的人所生產的同一類產品須在任何法律程序中被視作藉該方法取得的。

(2)法院在考慮該等法律程序的一方是否已履行由本條施加予他的舉證責任時,如覺得要求該

人披露任何製造秘密或商業秘密會是不合理的,則不得對他作出如此要求。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 100 U.K.]

條: 135 處長行使其酌情決定權 30/06/1997

在不損害任何法律規則的原則下,處長如擬對在他席前進行的法律程序的任何一方行使藉本條例或規則賦予處長的任何酌情決定權,而該項行使是對對方不利的,則須在行使該酌情決定權之前給予該方陳詞的機會。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 101 U.K.〕

條: 136 在法院進行的法律程序的訟費及開支 L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002
  1. 除第(2)款另有規定外,在根據本條例在法院進行的所有法律程序中,法院可將其認為合理的訟費判給任何一方。 (由2001年第2號第10條修訂)
  2. 在根據第58條在法院進行的法律程序中,法院在裁定是否將訟費或開支判給任何一方和應判給那些訟費或開支時,須顧及所有有關情況,包括各方的財政狀況。
    1. 如法院在任何該等法律程序中指示其中一方的任何訟費須由另一方支付,法院可藉定下一整筆款項而決定訟費的款額,或可指示該訟費須按法院所指明的收費表評定,該收費表為法院規則所訂明的訟費收費表。
    2. [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 106 U.K.]
  3. 根據本條例在處長席前進行的法律程序中,處長可藉命令將他認為合理的訟費判給任何一方,並指示上述訟費須由何方支付和如何支付。
  4. 如法院命令根據本條判給的任何訟費可藉由法院發出的執行令而追討,則該等訟費可如此追討,猶如該等訟費是根據該法院的命令而須支付一樣。
條: 137 在處長席前進行的法律程序的訟費及開支 30/06/1997

(3)規則可授權處長在所訂明的情況下規定在其席前進行的法律程序的任何一方就該等法律程

序或上訴的法律程序提供訟費保證金,並可就不提供保證金的後果作出規定。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 107 U.K.〕

條: 138 藉法院或處長的命令或由衞生署署長批予的特許 * L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(1)任何根據第14、56、64或65條批予特許的命令,須在不損害任何其他強制執行方法的原則

下具有效力,猶如它是由標準專利的所有人與所有其他必需的各方所簽立的並按照該項命令批予特許的契據。 (由2007年第21號第6條修訂)

(2)在不損害任何其他強制執行方法的原則下,任何根據第72C或72M條批予的進口強制性特許或出口強制性特許(視屬何情況而定)具有的效力,猶如它是由標準專利或短期專利(視屬何情況而定)的所有人與必要的有關各方所簽立的契據一樣。 (由2007年第21號第6條增補)

[比照 1977 c. 37 s. 108 U.K.]

* (由2007年第21號第6條修訂)

條: 139 處長在公事上作為方面的豁免權 30/06/1997

處長及其任何公職人員均─

(a) 不得被當作保證根據本條例批予的任何專利的有效性;或
(b)不得因本條例所規定或授權進行的任何審查或調查或在與其有關連的情況下,或因任何該等審查或調查所引致的任何報告或其他法律程序或在與其有關連的情況下,招致任何法律責任。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 116 U.K.〕

條: 139A 對政府及公職人員的保障 L.N. 234 of 2007 22/02/2008

(1) 政府或任何公職人員無須因以下事宜而承擔法律責任─

(a) 根據第69條作出任何授權;或
(b) 根據第72C或72M條批予任何進口強制性特許或出口強制性特許(視屬何情況而定)。

(2)公職人員如在作出或不作出任何作為時,真誠地相信該作為或不作為是第IX、IXA或IXB部(視屬何情況而定)規定或授權他在執行他根據該部而具有的任何職責、責任或權力時作出或不作出的,即無須為該作為或不作為承擔個人法律責任。

(3)第(2)款就任何作為或不作為而授予公職人員的保障,並不影響政府在侵權法中須為該作為

或不作為承擔的任何法律責任。 (由2007年第21號第7條增補)

條: 140 對代理人的承認 30/06/1997
  1. 除本條及規則另有規定外,凡根據本條例任何作為必須就專利或關乎專利的任何程序或專利的取得而由任何人作出或對任何人作出,則該項作為可由獲該人以口頭或書面妥為授權的代理人作出或對該代理人作出。
  2. 根據第(1)款獲另一人妥為授權擔任該另一人的代理人的人,可向處長及該另一人發出通知終止擔任該另一人的代理人,但須受該代理人與該另一人之間的任何協議中的任何條文的相反規定所規限。
  3. 規則可授權處長拒絕承認就任何在本條例下的事務而在規則中為此目的被指明的任何人為代理人。

(4) 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。

條: 141 註冊紀錄冊的揑改等 30/06/1997

第XVII部 罪行

任何人─

(a)在根據本條例備存的任何註冊紀錄冊內作出或導致在該註冊紀錄冊內作出任何虛假記項,而他是明知該等記項是虛假的;或
(b)製作或導致製作任何虛假地充作是根據本條例備存的任何註冊紀錄冊內記項的副本或複製本的字句,或出示或呈交或導致出示或呈交該等字句作為證據,而他是明知該等字句是虛假的,

即屬犯罪─

(i) 一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第5級罰款及監禁6個月;
(ii) 一經循公訴程序定罪,可處監禁2年。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 109 U.K.〕
  1. 除本條另有規定外,任何人虛假地表示他所作出有值處置的任何東西屬專利產品,即屬犯罪,一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第3級罰款。
  2. 就第(1)款而言,凡任何人將任何物品作出有值處置,而該物品上已蓋上、刻上或印上或以其他方式加上 “專利” 或 “享有專利” 或 “patent” 或“patented”的字樣,或加上任何明示或暗示該物品屬專利產品的東西,即視為表示該物品屬專利產品。
  3. (3) 如就某產品所作出的表示,是在該產品或所涉方法(視屬何情況而定)的專利的有效期屆滿後或該專利遭撤銷後並且是在某段合理地足以讓被控人能採取步驟以確保該項表示不被作出(或不繼續作出)的期間結束前作出的,則第(1)款不適用。

(4)在就本條所訂罪行而進行的法律程序中,如被控人證明他已盡了應盡的努力以防止犯該罪

行,即為免責辯護。 [比照 1977 c. 37 s. 110 U.K.]

    1. 除本條另有規定外,任何人表示他已就他所作出有值處置的任何物品提出專利的申請,而事實上─
    2. (a) 沒有此項專利申請提出;或
  1. (b) 此項專利申請已被撤回或已當作被撤回, 則該人即屬犯罪,一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第3級罰款。
  2. 凡某項表示是在某段於專利申請被撤回或當作被撤回之日開始的期間屆滿之前作出(或繼續作出)的,而該段期間是一段合理地足以讓被控人能夠採取步驟以確保該項表示不被作出(或不繼續作出)的,則第(1)(b)款不適用。
  3. 就第(1)款而言,凡任何人將任何物品作出有值處置,而該物品上已蓋上、刻上或印上或以其他方式加上“已申請專利”或“專利申請待決”或“patent applied for”或“patent pending”的字樣,或任何明示或暗示已就該物品申請專利的東西,即視為表示已就該專利提出申請。

(4)在就本條所訂罪行而進行的法律程序中,如被控人證明他已盡了應盡的努力以防止犯該罪

行,即為免責辯護。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 111 U.K.〕

條: 144 “專利註冊處”的名稱的不當使用 30/06/1997

凡任何人在其業務地址或在任何由他發出的文件中或在其他方面使用“專利註冊處”或“Patents Registry”的字樣,或任何帶有其業務地址即專利註冊處或與專利註冊處有正式關連的意思的其他字樣,即屬犯罪,一經循簡易程序定罪,可處第4級罰款。

〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 112 U.K.〕

條: 145 法團或合夥人所犯的罪行 30/06/1997
  1. 凡任何法人團體所犯的本條例所訂的任何罪行,經證明是在該團體的任何董事、經理、秘書或其他相類似職位的高級人員或看來是以任何該等身分行事的人的同意或縱容下所犯的,或是可歸咎於任何上述的人本身的疏忽的,則該人以及該法人團體均屬犯該罪行,並可據此而被起訴和受懲罰。
  2. 為就指稱由某法人團體所犯的本條例所訂罪行而提起的法律程序的目的,以下條文均屬適用─

(a) 關乎文件的送達的任何法院規則;

(b)《裁判官條例》(第227章)第19A條(法團在裁判官席前作出的答辯)及第87條(法團被控告犯可公訴罪的程序)。

  1. 凡任何法人團體的事務由其成員所管理,則第(1)款就任何成員在其管理職能方面的作為與過失而適用,猶如該成員是該法人團體的董事一樣。
  2. 凡任何合夥犯本條例所訂的罪行,則除已證明對此不知情或曾企圖阻止犯該罪行的合夥人外,每名合夥人均犯該罪行,並可據此而被起訴和受懲罰。
    1. 在不損害有關合夥人在第(4)款下的任何法律責任的情況下,就指稱由某合夥所犯的本條例所訂罪行而針對該合夥提起的法律程序,須以針對其商號的名義而非針對該等合夥人的名義提起。
    2. (6) 在該等法律程序中任何合夥因被定罪而遭判處的罰款,須從該合夥的資產中支付。
  3. 凡任何商號的一名合夥人所犯的本條例所訂的任何罪行,經證明是在該商號的任何其他合夥人或關涉該商號的管理的人的同意或縱容下所犯的,或是可歸咎於該商號的任何其他合夥人或關涉該商號的管理的人本身的疏忽的,則該其他合夥人或關涉該商號的管理的人亦犯該罪行,並可據此而被起訴和受懲罰。
條: 146 專利和申請中的錯誤的更正 30/06/1997

第XVIII部

行政方面的條文

(1)除規則另有規定外,處長可更正任何專利或專利的申請的說明書或任何所提交的與專利或其申請有關的文件中的任何翻譯或謄寫上的錯誤或文書上的錯誤。

(2)凡處長接獲更正上述錯誤的請求,任何人均可按照規則給予處長反對該項請求的通知,而

處長須對該事項作出裁定。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 117 U.K.〕

條: 147 關於專利申請和專利的資料與文件的查閱 30/06/1997

(1)在任何標準專利的申請按照第20條發表後,或在批予任何短期專利後,處長須因應以訂明

方式提交的書面請求,給予提出請求的人其請求中指明的關於該項申請或依據該項申請批予的任何專利或關於該短期專利的資料,並准許該人查閱關於該項申請或專利或關乎該短期專利的文件,但須受任何訂明的限制所規限。

  1. 除本條另有規定外,在任何標準專利的申請如上述般發表前,或在任何短期專利獲批予前,處長不得未經所有人或申請人(視屬何情況而定)同意而將構成或關乎該項標準專利的申請或短期專利的文件或資料發表或傳達予任何人。
  2. 第(2)款不阻止處長將關於一項沒有發表的標準專利的申請或一項短期專利的申請的任何訂明目錄資料發表或傳達予任何人。
  3. 凡任何人接獲通知,謂某項標準專利的申請已予提出但並未按照第20條發表,以及如該人在該項申請經如此發表後作出該通知內指明的某項作為,申請人一旦獲批予該專利便會提起針對該人的法律程序,則即使該項申請仍未發表,該人仍可提出第(1)款所指的請求,而該款亦據此適用。
  4. 凡任何人接獲通知,謂某項短期專利的申請已予提出,以及如該人作出該通知內指明的某項作為,申請人一旦獲批予該專利將會對該人提起法律程序,則該人可提出第(1)款所指的請求,而該款亦據此適用。
    1. 凡任何標準專利的申請已提交但沒有發表,而有人就該項較早申請的標的事項的任何部分提交一項新的標準專利的申請(不論是按照規則或依據根據第13條作出的命令提交的),而該項新的申請亦已發表,則任何人均可以訂明方式提出第(1)款所指的關乎該項較早申請的請求,而處長須向該人提供在假使該項較早申請已予發表的情況下該人本可獲得提供的資料,並准許該人查閱該人本可查閱的文件。
    2. 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 118 U.K.〕
  5. 處長可藉在官方公報刊登公告作出指示,指明註冊處讓公眾人士處理在本條例下的事務的辦公時間,並指明就該目的而言屬辦公日的日子。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
    1. 在任何日子的指明辦公時間過後或在非辦公日的日子作出的任何事務,須當作是在下一個辦公日作出的;凡根據本條例作出任何事情的時限在某一非辦公日的日子屆滿,則該時限須順延至下一個辦公日。
      1. (3) 根據本條作出的指示,可就不同種類的事務作出不同規定。
      2. (1) 處長可為以下目的訂立規則─
    2. (a) 施行本條例中授權就任何事宜訂立規則(法院規則除外)的任何條文;及
    1. (b) 訂明本條例的條文所授權或規定予以訂明的任何事情, 並可一般地為規管在本條例下的常規及程序而訂立規則。
        1. (2) 在不損害第(1)款的一般性的原則下,規則可訂定條文以─
            1. (a) 就關乎可向處長提交的專利的申請或其他文件─
              1. (i) 訂明任何該等文件的格式和內容;
              2. (ii) 規定須提供該等文件的副本;
              3. (iii) 訂明提交該等文件的方式;
          1. (b)規管關於在處長席前或在註冊處進行的任何法律程序或其他事宜須予依循的程序,並授權糾正程序上的不當之處;
          2. (c)規定關於上述法律程序或事宜或關於註冊處所提供的任何服務須繳付的費用,並就在訂明情況下費用的減免作出規定;
          3. (d)規管在任何上述法律程序中提出證據的方式,並授權處長強迫證人出席有關的法律程序以及透露和交出文件;
          4. (e)規定處長須就專利的任何建議修訂和任何其他訂明事項(包括在上述法律程序中的任何訂明步驟)刊登公告;
          5. (f) 就在處長席前進行的任何法律程序中協助處長的顧問的委任作出規定;
          6. (g)為本條例或規則所規定須作出的關於任何上述法律程序的事情訂明時限,並為本條例或規則所指明的任何期間的更改作出規定;
          7. (h) 落實任何發明的發明人在該項發明的專利的申請中所述的權利;
          8. (i) 在不損害本條例任何其他條文的原則下,規定與規管關於專利或專利的申請的文件翻譯成有關法律程序的語文或其中一種法定語文或一併翻譯成兩種法定語文之事,和任何該等譯本的提交和核實;
          9. (j) 為由註冊處發表和售賣文件和關於該等文件的資料作出規定;
          10. (k) 為施行第43及44條而訂明在指定專利當局進行的反對或撤銷專利的法律程序。
      1. (3) 規則可就不同情況訂定不同條文。
      2. (4) 根據本條訂立的─
    2. (a) 授權糾正程序上的不當之處的規則;或
  6. (b) 就任何期間的更改作出規定的規則, 可授權即使在有關期間已屆滿的情況下,延展或進一步延展任何該等期間。
    1. 除非經財政司司長同意,否則訂明各項費用(包括第104(5)(b)條下的懲罰性費用)的規則不得訂立。 (由1997年第362號法律公告修訂)
    2. (6) 根據第(2)(c)款訂立的任何規則可─
    3. (a) 訂明定於某些水平的各項費用;或
  7. (b) 規定各項費用須定於某些水平, 使政府或其他主管當局在行使本條例下的任何或所有職能時所招致或相當可能招致的開支得以收回,而該等水平不得因參照在行使任何一項特定職能時所招致或相當可能招致的行政費用或其他費用的款額而受到局限。

(7)規則可就由處長為發表他所決定的關乎專利的案件的報告以及任何不論是在香港或其他地

方的法院或機構(不論根據本條例與否)所決定的關乎專利的案件的報告而作出的安排,訂定條文。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 123 U.K.〕

    1. 處長可規定須在關於根據本條例作出的專利的批予中或在根據本條例在處長席前進行的任何其他法律程序中,使用由處長藉在官方公報刊登的公告指明的表格。 (由2001年第2號第14條修訂)
    2. (2) 根據第(1)款作出的公告,可載有處長就在該公告指明須使用的表格而作出的指示。
  1. 根據第(1)款刊登的公告不得就《釋義及通則條例》(第1章)第34條而言視為附屬法例。 (由2001年第2號第11條增補)
  2. 處長可不時在憲報刊登公告,指明自該公告所指明的日期起,某刊物即為就本條例而言的官方紀錄公報。
  3. 凡某刊物在根據第(1)款刊登的公告中指明為官方紀錄公報,則自該公告指明的生效日期起,本條例或規則所規定須在官方公報中公布的每一公告、請求、文件或其他事宜,均須在該刊物中公布,而凡在本條例或規則中對官方公報的提述,均須據此解釋。
    1. 處長可出版或安排出版公報,在該公報內可公布處長認為合適的與專利或專利的申請有關的文件及資料。
      1. (4) 為免生疑問,處長可指明憲報或第(3)款所提述的公報為官方紀錄公報。
      2. (5) 根據第(1)款指明的刊物及第(3)款所提述的公報,無需採用文件形式。
      3. (6) 根據第(1)款刊登的公告不得就《釋義及通則條例》(第1章)第34條而言視為附屬法例。 (由2001年第2號第12條增補)
條: 151 適用範圍* 2 of 2009 08/05/2009

除本條例另有規定外和即使《官方訴訟條例》(第300章)第5(3)條的條文另有規定,本條例適用於政府及中央人民政府在香港特別行政區設立的機構。 (由2009年第2號第6條修訂) [比照《專利權註冊條例》第7A條]

註:

* (由2009年第2號第6條代替)

條: 152 遭沒收物品 30/06/1997

本條例並不影響政府或任何直接或間接從政府取得所有權的人處置或使用根據與海關有關的法律而遭沒收的物品的權利。 〔比照 1977 c. 37 s. 122 U.K.〕

條: 153 修訂附表1 L.N. 47 of 2002 01/06/2002

行政長官會同行政會議可藉在憲報刊登的命令─ (由1999年第22號第3條修訂)

(a) 在附表1中加入─
(i) 已加入《巴黎公約》的任何國家的名稱;
(ii) 已加入《世界貿易組織協議》的任何國家、地區或地方的名稱;
(b) 在附表1刪除─
(i) 已退出《巴黎公約》的任何國家的名稱;
(ii) 已退出《世界貿易組織協議》的任何國家、地區或地方的名稱;及 (由2001年第2號第13條修訂)
(c) 以其他方式修訂附表1。 (由2001年第2號第13條增補)
條: 154 廢除 30/06/1997

第XIX部 廢除及過渡性安排

  1. (1) 《專利權註冊條例》(第42章)現予廢除。
  2. (2) 由第(1)款所作的廢除須受本部以下條文所規限。
條: 155 根據已廢除條例訂立的文書或作出的事情的有效性 30/06/1997

只要根據已廢除條例的任何條文在任何時間訂立的文書或作出的事情是本可根據本條例的某一相應條文訂立或作出的,則該文書或事情不得因本條例所作的廢除而失效,而須猶如是根據該相應條文訂立或作出般具有效力。

條: 156 為官方服務而徵用專利發明 30/06/1997

詳列交互參照: 第69,70,71,72條

    1. 已廢除條例的第7G條(該條就政府所作出並構成為官方服務而徵用任何發明的作為的問題,以及就任何該等徵用而須作出的付款,作出規定)須一如其在緊接生效日期前所適用者繼續有效。
    2. (2) 為易於參照,現將為施行第(1)款而適用的已廢除條例的第7G條列於附表2中。
    1. 凡一項發明的專利已依據本部而根據本條例批予該項發明的現有註冊專利的所有人,或批予根據已廢除條例提出一項仍待決的將該項發明的專利註冊的申請的申請人,則在根據本條例第68條宣布的極度緊急期間內,本條例第69至72條經作出必需的變通後適用於該項發明的政府徵用。〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第69,70,71,72條 *〉
    2. 詳列交互參照: 第73,74,75,82,83,84,85,86,87條
  1. 任何關於在生效日期前作出的作為是否侵犯任何現有註冊專利的問題,須按照在緊接生效日期前施行的關於侵犯專利的法律而裁定,已廢除條例的第6及7條亦據此而適用。
條: 157 侵犯 30/06/1997

(2) 在第(3)款的規限下及經必需的變通後─

(a)第73至75、80、81、85至87、89及90條適用於在生效日期當日或之後作出的侵犯任何現有註冊專利的任何作為;及 〈* 註─詳列交互參照:第73,74,75,85,86,87條 *〉
(b)第82至84條適用於侵犯任何現有的註冊1977年法令專利的任何上述作為, 〈* 註─詳

列交互參照:第82,83,84條 *〉 一如該等條文適用於對根據本條例批予的專利的侵犯。

(3)凡任何作為在生效日期前已開始,並在該日期當日或之後繼續作出,如該作為根據在緊接該日期前施行的法律不會構成對任何發明的現有註冊專利的侵犯,則該作為不構成對可依據本部而根據本條例就該項發明獲批予的任何專利的侵犯。

條: 158 就過渡性安排作出規定的規則 22 of 1999 01/07/1997

附註:

具追溯力的修訂─見1999年第22號第3

(1)行政長官會同行政會議可在立法會的批准下訂立規則,以就本條例對以下事項的適用及就已廢除條例對以下事項的繼續適用,作出規定─ (由1999年22號第3條修訂)

(a) 現有註冊專利;
(b) 待決的將某一專利根據已廢除條例註冊的申請,以及依據該等申請而註冊的專利;
(c) 現有的1949年法令或1977年法令專利;
(d) 已發表的1977年法令專利的申請及在生效日期後依據該等申請而批予的專利;
(e) 1949年法令專利的現有申請及在生效日期後依據該等申請而批予的專利。
    1. (2) 在不損害第(1)款的一般性的原則下,根據該款訂立的規則可就以下事項作出規定─
      1. (a) 將現有註冊專利當作根據本條例批予的標準專利;
      2. (b)依據各待決的將專利根據已廢除條例註冊的申請而根據該條例作出的專利註冊,以及須將經如此註冊的專利當作現有註冊專利;
      3. (c) 向任何現有1949年法令或1977年法令專利的所有人批予標準專利;
      4. (d) 由已發表的1977年法令專利申請的申請人提出標準專利的申請,和向在生效日期後依據該項申請獲批予專利的所有人批予標準專利;
      5. (e) 向在生效日期後依據1949年法令專利的現有申請獲批予1949年法令專利的所有人批予標準專利。
    1. (3) 根據第(1)款訂立的規則並可就以下事宜作出規定─
      1. (a) 依據根據本部訂立的規則提出任何專利的申請的時限;
      2. (b)本條例對由本部或由根據本部訂立的規則所規定的任何專利或專利的申請的適用範圍;
      3. (c)除根據(d)段訂立的規則另有規定外,在生效日期當日或之後生效的在聯合王國的現有註冊專利的任何修訂或撤銷,即使或會自任何早於生效日期的日期起在聯合王國具有效力,就任何依據本部而根據本條例獲批予的專利而言,該等修訂或撤銷不得具有任何效力;
      4. (d) 繼任何發明的1949年法令專利在聯合王國修訂或撤銷後,依據本部而根據本條例就該項發明獲批予的標準專利的修訂或撤銷;
      5. (e) 為本部任何條文的目的而對所施行的本條例作出變通;
        1. (f) 解決在以下各項之間優先權誰屬的問題─
          1. (i) 1949年法令專利與專利申請;
          2. (ii) 1977年法令專利與專利申請;及
          3. (iii) 在本條例下的專利與專利申請;
        1. (g)將在生效日期前根據已廢除條例註冊的專利的細節轉入根據本條例備存的註冊紀錄冊內,以及就該等細節而備存註冊紀錄冊的所涉事宜,而在此方面規則可就以下事宜作出規定─
          1. (i) 就該等記項而更正註冊紀錄冊;
          2. (ii) 任何人提出將該等細節列入註冊紀錄冊內的申請;
      6. (h) 處長藉在憲報刊登公告修訂該等規則所指門的任何時限或該等規則的任何附表。
  1. (1) 在本附表中﹐除文意另有所指外─

“《1949年法令》”(1949 Act) 指《1949年專利法令》 (Patents Act 1949) (1949 c. 87 U.K.),而“1949年法令專利”(1949 Act patent) 指根據《1949年法令》批予的專利或依據根據該法令提出的申請而根據《1977年法令》批予的專利; “1949年法令專利的現有申請”(existing application for a 1949 Act patent) 指根據《1949年法令》提出的專利的申請,而在生效日期時未有專利就該項申請而獲批予;

“《1977年法令》”(1977 Act) 指《1977年專利法令》 (Patents Act 1977) (1977 c. 37 U.K.),而“1977年法令專利” (1977 Act patent) 指依據在生效日期前提出的申請而根據該法令批予的專利,亦指依據《1977年法令》第77條而在聯合王國生效的任何歐洲專利(聯合王國);

“已發表的1977年法令專利的申請”(published application for a 1977 Act patent)指符合以下說明的專利

的申請─

(a) 1977年法令專利能依據該項申請而獲批予;及

(b) 在生效日期前該項申請已予發表, 而如屬國際申請,則(b)段所提述的發表須理解為提述某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;

“已廢除條例”(the repealed Ordinance) 指《專利權註冊條例》(第42章); “生效日期”(commencement date) 指根據第1(2)條指定的日期,即本條例開始實施的日期; “待決的將專利根據已廢除條例註冊的申請”(pending application for registration of a patent under the

repealed Ordinance) 指在生效日期前就一項1949年法令或1977年法令專利而根據已廢除條例第3條提出註冊(但在生效日期時仍未根據已廢除條例註冊)的申請; “現有的1949年法令或1977年法令專利”(existing 1949 Act or 1977 Act patent) 指以下1949年法令或1977年法令專利─

(a) 在生效日期前獲批予並可根據已廢除條例在該日期獲註冊者;及

(b) 在生效日期時未有根據已廢除條例就其提出任何有效的註冊申請者; “現有註冊專利”(existing registered patent) 指符合以下說明的1949年法令或1977年法令專利─

(a) 在生效日期前根據已廢除條例註冊;及
(b) 在生效日期時─
(i) 在聯合王國仍屬有效;
(ii) 雖已在聯合王國停止有效,但其後就《1977年法令》而言視作從未期滿;或
(iii) 雖已在聯合王國停止有效,但其後由一項根據《1977年法令》作出的命令恢復有效;

“歐洲專利(聯合王國)”(European patent (UK)) 指根據《歐洲專利批予公約》(《歐洲專利公約》)批予的並指定聯合王國的專利。

(2) 在本部中,除文意另有所指外─

(a)凡提述將任何專利根據已廢除條例註冊,即提述根據該條例第5條就該專利而發出註冊證明書;
(b) 凡提述已廢除條例,即提述在緊接生效日期前所適用的該條例;
(c) 凡提述依據本部而根據本條例批予的專利,包括提述視作如此批予的專利。
條: 160 (已失時效而略去 ) 30/06/1997

(已失時效而略去)

條: 161 (已失時效而略去 ) 30/06/1997

(已失時效而略去)

條: 162 (已失時效而略去 ) 30/06/1997

(已失時效而略去)

條: 163 (已失時效而略去 ) 30/06/1997

(已失時效而略去)

514 -專利條例

[第2及153條]

巴黎公約國

下列是為第2(1)條中“巴黎公約國”的定義而指明為已加入《巴黎公約》的國家─

大不列顛及北愛爾蘭聯合王國 大阿拉伯利比亞人民社會主義民眾國 大韓民國 土耳其共和國 土庫曼斯坦 也門共和國 不丹王國 巴巴多斯 巴布亞新畿內亞獨立國 巴西聯邦共和國 巴林王國 巴拉圭共和國 巴哈馬國 巴拿馬共和國 巴基斯坦伊斯蘭共和國 日本國 厄瓜多爾共和國 毛里求斯共和國 毛里塔尼亞伊斯蘭共和國 比利時王國 中非共和國 中華人民共和國 丹麥王國 牙買加 古巴共和國 尼日利亞聯邦共和國 尼日爾共和國 尼加拉瓜共和國 尼泊爾聯邦民主共和國 以色列國 白俄羅斯共和國 加拿大 加納共和國 加蓬共和國 乍得共和國 布基納法索 布隆迪共和國 立陶宛共和國 卡塔爾國 匈牙利共和國 列支敦士登公國 吉布提共和國 吉爾吉斯共和國 多米尼加共和國 多米尼克國 多哥共和國 危地馬拉共和國 圭亞那合作共和國 伊拉克共和國 伊朗伊斯蘭共和國 印度尼西亞共和國 印度共和國 西班牙王國 冰島共和國 安哥拉共和國 安提瓜和巴布達 安道爾公國 老撾人民民主共和國 利比里亞共和國 伯利茲 沙特阿拉伯王國 赤道幾內亞共和國 貝寧共和國 克羅地亞共和國 希臘共和國(希臘) 委內瑞拉玻利瓦爾共和國 孟加拉人民共和國 肯尼亞共和國 阿拉伯埃及共和國 阿拉伯敍利亞共和國 阿拉伯聯合酋長國 阿根廷共和國 阿曼蘇丹國 阿塞拜疆共和國 阿爾巴尼亞共和國 阿爾及利亞民主人民共和國 亞美尼亞共和國 坦桑尼亞聯合共和國 拉脫維亞共和國 波斯尼亞和黑塞哥維那 波蘭共和國 法蘭西共和國 芬蘭共和國 岡比亞共和國 津巴布韋共和國 保加利亞共和國 約旦哈希姆王國 突尼斯共和國 美利堅合眾國 玻利維亞共和國 南非共和國 科特迪瓦共和國 科摩羅聯盟 柬埔寨王國 洪都拉斯共和國 哈薩克斯坦共和國 俄羅斯聯邦 烏干達共和國 烏克蘭 烏拉圭東岸共和國 烏茲別克斯坦共和國 泰王國(泰國) 特立尼達和多巴哥共和國 馬耳他 馬里共和國 馬來西亞 馬其頓共和國 馬拉維共和國 馬達加斯加共和國 納米比亞共和國 海地共和國 剛果民主共和國 剛果共和國 格林納達 格魯吉亞 挪威王國 哥倫比亞共和國 哥斯達黎加共和國 秘魯共和國 捷克共和國 莫桑比克共和國 荷蘭王國 黑山 幾內亞比紹共和國 幾內亞共和國 湯加王國 智利共和國 斯里蘭卡民主社會主義共和國 斯威士蘭王國 斯洛文尼亞共和國 斯洛伐克共和國 越南社會主義共和國 菲律賓共和國 博茨瓦納共和國 萊索托王國 喀麥隆共和國 朝鮮民主主義人民共和國 意大利共和國 瑞士聯邦 瑞典王國 塞內加爾共和國 塞舌爾共和國 塞拉利昂共和國 塞浦路斯共和國 塞爾維亞共和國 聖文森特和格林納丁斯 聖多美和普林西比民主共和國 聖馬力諾共和國 聖基茨和尼維斯聯邦 聖盧西亞 新加坡共和國 新西蘭 奧地利共和國 塔吉克斯坦共和國 愛沙尼亞共和國 愛爾蘭 葡萄牙共和國 蒙古國 黎巴嫩共和國 墨西哥合眾國 摩洛哥王國 摩納哥公國 摩爾多瓦共和國 德意志聯邦共和國 澳大利亞聯邦 盧旺達共和國 盧森堡大公國 薩爾瓦多共和國 贊比亞共和國 羅馬尼亞 羅馬教廷 蘇丹共和國 蘇里南共和國

世界貿易組織成員國、地區及地方 (但不包括巴黎公約國)

下列是指明為已加入《世界貿易組織協議》的國家、地區或地方─

文萊達魯薩蘭國 台灣、澎湖、金門、馬祖單獨關稅區 佛得角共和國 所羅門群島 科威特國 馬爾代夫共和國 斐濟群島共和國 緬甸聯邦 歐洲共同體 澳門特別行政區

(由1998年第341號法律公告修訂;由2002年第66號法律公告修訂;由2005年第217號法律公告修訂;由2009年第252號法律公告修訂)

[第156(2)條]

為施行本條例第156(1)條而適用的《專利權註冊條例》(第42章)第7G條載錄如下─

“7G. 過渡性條文

(1) 任何關於以下方面的問題─

(a)在生效日期由政府或獲總督授權的人根據第7B條(按第7B條在緊接生效日期前的內容)作出的行為,是否構成為官方服務而徵用一項專利發明;或
(b)就任何上述徵用而須作出的任何付款(不論是付給有權就該項發明註冊專利的人或專

利持有人或專用特許持有人), 須按照第7B至7D條(按第7B至7D條在緊接生效日期前的內容)予以裁定。

  1. 凡一項作為是在生效日期之前開始作出並在該日期當日或之後持續作出,而如該項為根據在緊接該日期前有效的法律是會構成為官方服務而徵用一項專利發明的,則該項作為的持續,即構成本條例所指的官方徵用,而非構成對權利的侵犯。
  2. 在本條中,“生效日期”(commencement date) 指《1996年知識產權(世界貿易組織修訂)條例》(1996年第11號)第11條開始實施的日期。”

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