Since the Patent Amendment Rules, 2016 came into force i.e., 16^th May 2016, there was an option given to the attorneys to attend the hearing via “Video Conferencing” under sub-rule (6) of rule 28 of Principal Rules, which provides as herein below:

“(6) The hearing may also be held through video-conferencing or audio-visual communication devices: Provided that such hearing shall be deemed to have taken place at the appropriate office.

Explanation – For the purposes of this rule, the expression ―communication device" shall have the same meaning as assigned to it in clause (ha) of sub-section (1) of section 2 of the Information Technology Act, 2000 (21 of "2000).”

This option was available for applicants on their request. However, it was found that Indian Patent Portal flashes the option of attending a hearing physically or via video conferencing while filing the response to FERs.

This would be a very useful step in order to make it cost-effective and less time consuming for applicants as well as attorneys, It further reduces the burden of making a personal request to attend the hearing via video conferencing. 

The screenshot of the portal providing the option of video conferencing is provided below:

Author: M. Sai Krupa, an intern at Global Patent Filing. In case of any queries please contact/write back to us at support@globalpatentfiling.com.

References:

[1] http://www.wipo.int/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/in/in133en.pdf