Coronavirus – EUIPO and UKIPO publish guidance on extension of deadlines

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The UKIPO and EUIPO have today published guidance on the extension of deadlines. This follows the announcement of the WHO that the outbreak of the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) can be characterised as a pandemic, has significantly affected worldwide communication and so constitutes an exceptional occurrence disrupting communication between the offices and users.

EUIPO: All time limits in proceedings before the EUIPO which expire “between 9 March and 30 April, that affect all parties before the Office” are extended to 1 May 2020. The full decision can be found here.

UKIPO: The UKIPO has announced that it will extend time periods where national and international legislation allow for an extension of the time limit on request and on a case by case basis. There is NO automatic extension of deadlines in UKIPO proceedings. If deadlines are missed, and the failure to meet a time period results in a loss of rights, the UKIPO will consider whether those rights may be reinstated or restored. This will depend on the nature of the late response and the circumstances of the delay. The guidance can be found here.