Postgraduate - UnitLAW7452 - Patent practice

This Unit has been designed to meet the requirements of the Professional Standards Board for Trade Marks and Patent Attorneys in relation to Patent System (Topic group F). This Unit will enable students to advise and to handle the interests of a client in prosecution and maintenance of a patent application in Australia and other countries. Principal topics will include:

• Different types of applications: advantages and disadvantages
• Australian Patent Office practice: filing requirements and formalities; time limits;

searching; the amendment process and the requirements to be met; opposition proceedings; re-examination; the extension of term provisions; requirements for an extension of time; revocation and infringement proceedings; appeals

• The use of international treaties and conventions to enhance a client's protection at an international level
• The register: maintenance; assignment and transmission; licensing; compulsory licenses
• Crown use; restrictions on exploitation
• Basic patentability requirements in other countries such as New Zealand, the United States, the European Union, the People's Republic of China and Japan
• Benefits and advantages of the innovation patent system