Commonwealth: Patents Act 1990 (Cth)

Patents Act 1990 No. 83, 1990 Compilation No. 52 Compilation date: 14 October 2024 Includes amendments: Act No. 39, 2024 About this compilation This compilation This is a compilation of the Patents Act 1990 that shows the text of the law as amended and in force on 14 October 2024 (the compilation date). The notes at the end of this compilation (the endnotes) include information about amending laws and the amendment history of provisions of the compiled law. Uncommenced amendments The effect of uncommenced amendments is not shown in the text of the compiled law. Any uncommenced amendments affecting the law are accessible on the Register (www.legislation.gov.au). The details of amendments made up to, but not commenced at, the compilation date are underlined in the endnotes. For more information on any uncommenced amendments, see the Register for the compiled law. Application, saving and transitional provisions for provisions and amendments If the operation of a provision or amendment of the compiled law is affected by an application, saving or transitional provision that is not included in this compilation, details are included in the endnotes. Editorial changes For more information about any editorial changes made in this compilation, see the endnotes. Modifications If the compiled law is modified by another law, the compiled law operates as modified but the modification does not amend the text of the law. Accordingly, this compilation does not show the text of the compiled law as modified. For more information on any modifications, see the Register for the compiled law. Self‑repealing provisions If a provision of the compiled law has been repealed in accordance with a provision of the law, details are included in the endnotes. Contents Chapter 1—Introductory 1 Short title 2 Commencement 2A Object of this Act 3 Definitions 5 Associated applications 6 Deposit requirements 7 Novelty, inventive step and innovative step 7A Meaning of useful 9 Secret use 10 Certain international applications to be taken to have been given an international filing date 11 Act binds the Crown 12 Application of Act 12A Application of the Criminal Code Chapter 2—Patent rights, ownership and validity Part 1—Patent rights 13 Exclusive rights given by patent 14 Assignment of patent Part 2—Ownership 15 Who may be granted a patent? 16 Co‑ownership of patents 17 Directions to co‑owners Part 3—Validity Division 1—Validity 18 Patentable inventions 19 Certificate of validity 20 Validity of patent not guaranteed 21 Validity not implied by making or refusal of non‑infringement declaration Division 2—Matters not affecting validity 22A Validity not affected by who patent is granted to 22 Invalidity in relation to one claim not to affect validity in relation to other claims 23 Validity not affected by publication etc. after priority date 24 Validity not affected by making information available in certain circumstances 25 Validity: patents of addition 26 Validity not affected in certain cases involving amendments Division 3—Notice of matters affecting validity 27 Notice of matters affecting validity of standard patents 28 Notice of matters affecting validity of innovation patents Chapter 3—From application to acceptance Part 1—Patent applications Division 1—Applications 29 Application for patent—general rules 29A Applications for patents—special rules for PCT applications 29B Applications for patents—special rules for Convention applications 30 Filing date 31 Joint applicants 32 Disputes between applicants etc. 33 Applications by opponents etc. 34 Applications by eligible persons arising out of Court proceedings 35 Applications by eligible persons following revocation by Commissioner 36 Other applications by eligible persons 37 Complete application may be treated as provisional 38 Time for making complete application Division 2—Specifications 40 Specifications 41 Specifications: micro‑organisms 42 Micro‑organisms ceasing to be reasonably available Division 3—Priority dates 43 Priority dates 43AA Disclosure in basic applications Part 2—Examination of standard patent requests and specifications Division 1A—Preliminary search and opinion 43A Preliminary search and opinion Division 1—Examination 44 Request for examination 45 Examination Part 3—Acceptance Division 1—Acceptance of standard patents 49 Acceptance of patent request: standard patent 49A Postponing acceptance of patent request: standard patent 50 Application or grant may be refused in certain cases 50A Revocation of acceptance 51 Appeal Division 2—Acceptance of innovation patents 52 Formalities check and acceptance of innovation patents Chapter 4—Publication 53 Publication of certain information about applicants etc. 54 Notice of publication 55 Documents open to public inspection 56 Certain documents and information not to be published or open to public inspection 56A Publication and inspection of PCT applications 57 Effect of publication of complete specification 58 Result of search may be disclosed Chapter 5—Opposition to grant of standard patent 59 Opposition to grant of standard patent 60 Hearing and decision by Commissioner Chapter 6—Grant and term of patents Part 1—Grant 61 Grant of standard patent 62 Grant and publication of innovation patent 63 Joint patentees 64 Grant: multiple applications 65 Date of patent Part 2—Term 67 Term of standard patent 68 Term of innovation patent Part 3—Extension of term of standard patents relating to pharmaceutical substances 70 Applications for extension of patent 71 Form and timing of an application 72 Notification and public inspection of application 73 Withdrawal of application 74 Acceptance or refusal of application 75 Opposition to grant of extension 76 Grant of extension 77 Calculation of term of extension 78 Exclusive rights of patentee are limited if extension granted 79 Rights of patentee if extension granted after patent expires 79A Commissioner not to make decision if court proceedings pending Chapter 6A—Divisional applications 79B Divisional applications prior to grant of patent 79C Divisional applications for innovation patents may be made after grant of an innovation patent Chapter 7—Patents of addition 80 Chapter does not apply to innovation patents 81 Grant of patent of addition 82 Revocation of patent and grant of patent of addition instead 83 Term of patent of addition 85 Revocation of patent for main invention 86 Renewal fees not payable 87 Fees payable where patent of addition becomes an independent patent Chapter 9—Re‑examination of standard patents 96A Chapter does not apply to innovation patents 97 Re‑examination of complete specifications 98 Report on re‑examination 99 Statement by applicant or patentee 100 Copies of report to be given to court 100A Refusal to grant patent—re‑examination before grant 101 Revocation of patent—re‑examination after grant Chapter 9A—Examination, re‑examination and opposition‑innovation patents Part 1—Examination of innovation patents 101A Examination may be requested or Commissioner may decide to examine 101B Examination of an innovation patent 101C How and when examination to be carried out 101E Certificate of examination 101EA Revocation of certificate of examination 101F Revocation of innovation patents following examination under section 101B Part 2—Re‑examination of innovation patents 101G Re‑examination of complete specifications of innovation patents 101H Patentee statements 101J Revocation of innovation patent following re‑examination 101K Relevant proceedings and re‑examination 101L Copies of report to be given to court Part 3—Opposition to innovation patents 101M Opposition to innovation patent 101N Hearing and decision by the Commissioner 101P Relevant proceedings and opposition Chapter 10—Amendments Part 1—Amendments that are not allowable 102 What amendments are not allowable? 103 Consent of mortgagee or exclusive licensee needed Part 2—Amendments of patent requests, specifications and other filed documents 104 Amendments by applicants and patentees 105 Amendments directed by court 106 Amendments directed by Commissioner: patents 107 Amendments directed by Commissioner: applications for standard patents 109 Appeal Part 3—Miscellaneous 110 Advertisement of amendment of complete specification 112 Pending proceedings 112A Decisions on appeal 113 Persons claiming under assignment or agreement 114 Priority date of claims of certain amended specifications 114A Objection cannot be taken to certain amended specifications 115 Restriction on recovery of damages etc. 116 Interpretation of amended specifications Chapter 11—Infringement Part 1—Infringement and infringement proceedings 117 Infringement by supply of products 118 Infringement exemptions: use in or on foreign vessels, aircraft or vehicles 119 Infringement exemptions: prior use 119A Infringement exemptions: acts for obtaining regulatory approval of pharmaceuticals 119B Infringement exemptions: acts for obtaining regulatory approval (non‑pharmaceuticals) 119C Infringement exemptions: acts for experimental purposes 120 Infringement proceedings 121 Counter‑claim for revocation of patent 121A Burden of proof—infringement of patent for a process 122 Relief for infringement of patent 123 Innocent infringement Part 2—Non‑infringement declarations 124 Interpretation 125 Application for non‑infringement declaration 126 Proceedings for non‑infringement declarations 127 Effect of non‑infringement declarations Part 3—Unjustified threats of infringement proceedings 128 Application for relief from unjustified threats 129 Court's power to grant relief if threats related to a standard patent or standard patent application 129A Threats related to an innovation patent application or innovation patent and court's power to grant relief 130 Counter‑claim for infringement 131 Notification of patent not a threat 132 Liability of legal practitioner or patent attorney Chapter 12—Compulsory licences and revocation of patents Part 1—Introduction 132A Simplified outline of this Chapter Part 2—Compulsory licences (general) 132B Simplified outline of this Part 133 Compulsory licences—general 134 Revocation of patent after grant of compulsory licence under section 133 136 Orders to be consistent with international agreements 136A Dealing with allegation of contravention of application law Part 3—Patented pharmaceutical invention compulsory licences (for manufacture and export to eligible importing countries) Division 1—Introduction 136B Simplified outline of this Part 136C Relationship between Parts 2 and 3 Division 2—Patented pharmaceutical invention compulsory licences 136D PPI compulsory licences—applications for orders 136E PPI compulsory licences—orders 136F PPI compulsory licences—terms 136G PPI compulsory licences—amendment 136H PPI compulsory licences—revocation Division 3—Remuneration 136J PPI compulsory licences—remuneration Division 4—General 136K PPI compulsory licences—nature of orders 136L PPI compulsory licences—consistency of orders with international agreements 136M PPI compulsory licences—applications heard together Part 4—Surrender and revocation of patents 136N Simplified outline of this Part 137 Revocation on surrender of patent 138 Revocation of patents in other circumstances Part 5—Other matters 138A Simplified outline of this Part 139 Parties to proceedings 140 Commissioner to be given copies of orders Chapter 13—Withdrawal and lapsing of applications and ceasing of patents 141 Withdrawal of applications 142 Lapsing of applications 143 Ceasing of patents 143A Ceasing of innovation patents 143B Payment of fees Chapter 14—Contracts 145 Termination of contract after patent ceases to be in force Chapter 15—Special provisions relating to associated technology 147 Certificate by Director as to associated technology 148 Lapsing etc. of applications 149 Revocation of direction 150 Restoration of lapsed application 151 Reinstatement of application as an international application 152 Notice of prohibitions or restrictions on publication 153 Effect of order Chapter 16—Jurisdiction and powers of courts 154 Jurisdiction of Federal Court 155 Jurisdiction of other prescribed courts 156 Exercise of jurisdiction 157 Transfer of proceedings 158 Appeals 159 Commissioner may appear in appeals 160 Powers of Federal Court Chapter 17—The Crown Part 1—Introductory 160A When an invention is exploited for Crown purposes 161 Nominated persons and patentees Part 2—Exploitation by the Crown 163 Crown exploitation of inventions—general rule 163A Crown exploitation of inventions—emergencies 164 Crown exploitation of inventions—information to be given by relevant authority 165 Crown exploitation of inventions—terms (including remuneration) 165A Crown exploitation of inventions—court order to cease 166 Certain agreement and licences inoperative unless approved by relevant Minister 167 Sale of products 168 Supply of products by Commonwealth to foreign countries 170 Sale of forfeited articles Part 3—Acquisitions by and assignments to the Crown 171 Acquisition of inventions or patents by Commonwealth 172 Assignment of invention to Commonwealth Part 4—Prohibition orders 173 Prohibition of publication of information about inventions 174 Effect of prohibition orders 175 Disclosure of information to Commonwealth authority 176 International applications treated as applications under this Act Chapter 18—Miscellaneous offences 177 False representations about the Patent Office 178 False representations about patents or patented articles 182 Officers not to traffic in inventions 183 Unauthorised disclosure of information by employees etc. 184 Other unauthorised disclosures of information 185 Commissioner etc. not to prepare documents or search records Chapter 19—The Register and official documents 186 Register of Patents 187 Registration of particulars of patents etc. 188 Trusts not registrable 189 Power of patentee to deal with patent 190 Inspection of Register 191 False entries in Register 191A Commissioner's power to rectify register 192 Orders for rectification of Register 193 Inspection of documents 194 Information obtainable from Commissioner 195 Evidence—the Register 196 Evidence—unregistered particulars 197 Evidence—certificate and copies of documents 197AA Evidence of matters arising under PCT Chapter 20—Patent Attorneys Part 1—Registration, privileges and professional conduct 198 Registration of patent attorneys 199 Deregistration 200 Privileges 200A Designated Manager Part 2—Offences 201 Acting or holding out without being registered 201A When a person carries on business, practises or acts as a patent attorney 201B Incorporated patent attorney must have a patent attorney director 202 Documents prepared by legal practitioners 202A Documents prepared by a member of a partnership 202B Documents prepared by incorporated patent attorneys and incorporated legal practices 203 Attendance at patent attorney's office 204 Time for starting prosecutions Chapter 21—Administration 205 Patent Office and sub‑offices 206 Patent Office seal 207 Commissioner of Patents 208 Deputy Commissioner of Patents 209 Delegation of Commissioner's powers and functions 210 Commissioner's powers 210A Sanctions for non‑compliance with Commissioner's requirements 211 Recovery of costs awarded by Commissioner Chapter 22—Miscellaneous 212 Copies of examination reports to be communicated 213 Making and signing applications etc. 214 Filing of documents 214A Approved means of filing documents 214B Directions by Commissioner for filing of documents 214C Directions by Commissioner for filing of evidence 215 Death of applicant or nominated person 216 Exercise of discretionary power by Commissioner 217 Assessors 218 Costs where patent invalid in part 219 Security for costs 220 Costs of attendance of patent attorney 220A Notifications by Commissioner under this Act 221 Service of documents 222 Publication of Official Journal etc. 222A Doing act when Patent Office reopens after end of period otherwise provided for doing act 223 Extensions of time 223A Computerised decision‑making 224 Review of decisions 225 Conduct of employees and agents of natural persons 226 Documents open to public inspection do not infringe copyright 227 Fees payable under this Act 227AAA Approved means of paying a fee 227AB Application of administrative law regime to decisions made in New Zealand 227A Trans‑Tasman IP Attorneys Board 227B Publishing personal information of registered patent attorneys 228 Regulations 229 Instrument determining formalities requirements for patent documents Chapter 23—Transitional and savings provisions 237 Orders, directions etc. under 1952 Act 239 The Register of Patents and Register of Patent Attorneys 240 Registered patent attorneys Schedule 1—Dictionary Endnotes Endnote 1—About the endnotes Endnote 2—Abbreviation key Endnote 3—Legislation history Endnote 4—Amendment history An Act relating to patents of inventions Chapter 1—Introductory 1 Short title This Act may be cited as the Patents Act 1990. 2 Commencement (1) Subject to subsection (2), this Act commences on a day to be fixed by Proclamation. (2) If this Act does not commence under subsection (1) within the period of 6 months beginning on the day on which it receives the Royal Assent, it commences on the first day after the end of that period. 2A Object of this Act The object of this Act is to provide a patent system in Australia that promotes economic wellbeing through technological innovation and the transfer and dissemination of technology. In doing so, the patent system balances over time the interests of producers, owners and users of technology and the public. 3 Definitions The following expressions are defined, for the purposes of this Act or of a particular Chapter of this Act, in the dictionary in Schedule 1: 1952 Act application approved form associated technology Australia Australian continental shelf Australian Register of Therapeutic Goods authority basic application Board Budapest Treaty certified claim commencing day Commissioner company compensable person complete specification Convention applicant Convention application Convention country depositary institution deposit requirements Deputy Commissioner Designated Manager Director director Director‑General of IP Australia eligible importing country eligible person employee examination exclusive licensee exploit exploited for Crown purposes Federal Court file foreign aircraft foreign land vehicle foreign vessel formalities check incorporated legal practice incorporated patent attorney infringement proceedings innovation patent intellectual property advice interested party international application international depositary authority international filing date invention legal practitioner legal representative licence main invention New Zealand Commissioner of Patents New Zealand Patents Minister New Zealand patents official nominated person non‑infringement declaration Official Journal patent patentable invention patent application patent area patent attorney director patented pharmaceutical invention patented process patented product patentee patent of addition Patent Office patent request patents work PCT PCT application permit pharmaceutical product pharmaceutical substance PPI PPI compulsory licence PPI order PPI order applicant PPSA security interest preferred means preliminary search and opinion prescribed court prescribed depositary institution prior art base prior art information priority date prohibition order provisional specification receiving Office re‑examination Register registered registered patent attorney Registrar of Companies of New Zealand related company group relevant authority relevant international application relevant Minister relevant proceedings rules relating to micro‑organisms Safeguards Act services specification standard patent Statute of Monopolies supply Territory therapeutic use this Act TRIPS Agreement work 5 Associated applications For the purposes of this Act, a complete application is to be taken to be associated with a provisional application if, and only if, the patent request filed in respect of the complete application identifies the provisional application and contains a statement to the effect that the applications are associated. [Note: see sections 29 and 38] 6 Deposit requirements For the purposes of this Act, the deposit requirements are to be taken to be satisfied in relation to a micro‑organism to which a specification relates if, and only if: (a) the micro‑organism was, on or before the date of filing of the specification, deposited with a prescribed depositary institution in accordance with the rules relating to micro‑organisms; and (b) the specification includes, at that date, such relevant information on the characteristics of the micro‑organism as is known to the applicant; and (c) at all times since the end of the prescribed period, the specification has included: (i) the name of a prescribed depositary institution from which samples of the micro‑organism are obtainable as provided by the rules relating to micro‑organisms; and (iii) the file, accession or registration number of the deposit given by the institution; and (d) at all times since the date of filing of the specification, samples of the micro‑organism have been obtainable from a prescribed depositary institution as provided by those rules. [Note: see sections 41 and 42] 7 Novelty, inventive step and innovative step Novelty (1) For the purposes of this Act, an invention is to be taken to be novel when compared with the prior art base unless it is not novel in the light of any one of the following kinds of information, each of which must be considered separately: (a) prior art information (other than that mentioned in paragraph (c)) made publicly available in a single document or through doing a single act; (b) prior art information (other than that mentioned in paragraph (c)) made publicly available in 2 or more related documents, or through doing 2 or more related acts, if the relationship between the documents or acts is such that a person skilled in the relevant art would treat them as a single source of that information; (c) prior art information contained in a single specification of the kind mentioned in subparagraph (b)(ii) of the definition of prior art base in Schedule 1. Inventive step (2) For the purposes of this Act, an invention is to be taken to involve an inventive step when compared with the prior art base unless the invention would have been obvious to a person skilled in the relevant art in the light of the common general knowledge as it existed (whether in or out of the patent area) before the priority date of the relevant claim, whether that knowledge is considered separately or together with the information mentioned in subsection (3). (3) The information for the purposes of subsection (2) is: (a) any single piece of prior art information; or (b) a combination of any 2 or more pieces of prior art information that the skilled person mentioned in subsection (2) could, before the priority date of the relevant claim, be reasonably expected to have combined. Innovative step (4) For the purposes of this Act, an invention is to be taken to involve an innovative step when compared with the prior art base unless the invention would, to a person skilled in the relevant art, in the light of the common general knowledge as it existed (whether in or out of the patent area) before the priority date of the relevant claim, only vary from the kinds of information set out in subsection (5) in ways that make no substantial contribution to the working of the invention. (5) For the purposes of subsection (4), the information is of the following kinds: (a) prior art information made publicly available in a single document or through doing a single act; (b) prior art information made publicly available in 2 or more related documents, or through doing 2 or more related acts, if the relationship between the documents or acts is such that a person skilled in the relevant art would treat them as a single source of that information. (6) For the purposes of subsection (4), each kind of information set out in subsection (5) must be considered separately. [Notes: (1) For the meaning of document see section 2B of the Acts Interpretation Act 1901. (2) See also the definitions of prior art base and prior art information in Schedule 1: see also paragraph 18(1)(b) and section 98.] 7A Meaning of useful (1) For the purposes of this Act, an invention is taken not to be useful unless a specific, substantial and credible use for the invention (so far as claimed) is disclosed in the complete specification. (2) The disclosure in the complete specification must be sufficient for that specific, substantial and credible use to be appreciated by a person skilled in the relevant art. (3) Subsection (1) does not otherwise affect the meaning of the word useful in this Act. 9 Secret use For the purposes of this Act, the following acts are not to be taken to be secret use of an invention in the patent area: (a) any use of the invention by or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee or nominated person, or his or her predecessor in title to the invention, for the purpose of reasonable trial or experiment only; (b) any use of the invention by or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee or nominated person, or his or her predecessor in title to the invention, being use occurring solely in the course of a confidential disclosure of the invention by or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee, nominated person, or predecessor in title; (c) any other use of the invention by or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee or nominated person, or his or her predecessor in title to the invention, for any purpose other than the purpose of trade or commerce; (d) any use of the invention by or on behalf of the Commonwealth, a State, or a Territory where the patentee or nominated person, or his or her predecessor in title to the invention, has disclosed the invention, so far as claimed, to the Commonwealth, State or Territory; (e) any use of the invention by or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee or nominated person, or his or her predecessor in title to the invention, for any purpose, if a complete application is made for the invention within the prescribed period. [Note: See also paragraph 18(1)(d)] 10 Certain international applications to be taken to have been given an international filing date (1) Where: (a) an international application specifies Australia as a designated State under Article 4(1)(ii) of the PCT; and (b) the receiving Office does not give the application an international filing date; and (c) the Commissioner is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities, that the application should, under Article 25(2)(a) of the PCT, be treated as if it had been given an international filing date; the application is to be taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have been given an international filing date under Article 11 of the PCT. (2) This section does not apply to an international application that was not filed in the receiving Office in English unless the following documents have been filed: (a) a translation of the application into English; (b) if required by the regulations—a certificate of verification (within the meaning of the regulations) of the translation. (3) Where this section applies, the international filing date of the application is to be taken to be the date that, in the opinion of the Commissioner, should have been given to the application as its international filing date under the PCT. [Note: international filing date is defined in Schedule 1.] 11 Act binds the Crown (1) This Act binds the Crown in right of the Commonwealth, of each of the States, of the Australian Capital Territory and of the Northern Territory. (2) Nothing in this Act makes the Crown liable to be prosecuted for an offence. 12 Application of Act This Act extends to: (a) each external Territory; and (b) the Australian continental shelf; and (c) the waters above the Australian continental shelf; and (d) the airspace above Australia, each external Territory and the Australian continental shelf. 12A Application of the Criminal Code Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code applies to all offences created by this Act. Note: Chapter 2 of the Criminal Code sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility. Chapter 2—Patent rights, ownership and validity Part 1—Patent rights 13 Exclusive rights given by patent (1) Subject to this Act, a patent gives the patentee the exclusive rights, during the term of the patent, to exploit the invention and to authorise another person to exploit the invention. (2) The exclusive rights are personal property and are capable of assignment and of devolution by law. (3) A patent has effect throughout the patent area. 14 Assignment of patent (1) An assignment of a patent must be in writing signed by or on behalf of the assignor and assignee. (2) A patent may be assigned for a place in, or part of, the patent area. Part 2—Ownership 15 Who may be granted a patent? (1) Subject to this Act, a patent for an invention may only be granted to a person who: (a) is the inventor; or (b) would, on the grant of a patent for the invention, be entitled to have the patent assigned to the person; or (c) derives title to the invention from the inventor or a person mentioned in paragraph (b); or (d) is the legal representative of a deceased person mentioned in paragraph (a), (b) or (c). (2) A patent may be granted to a person whether or not he or she is an Australian citizen. 16 Co‑ownership of patents (1) Subject to any agreement to the contrary, where there are 2 or more patentees: (a) each of them is entitled to an equal undivided share in the patent; and (b) each of them is entitled to exercise the exclusive rights given by the patent for his or her own benefit without accounting to the others; and (c) none of them can grant a licence under the patent, or assign an interest in it, without the consent of the others. (2) Where a patented product, or a product of a patented method or process, is sold by any of 2 or more patentees, the buyer, and a person claiming through the buyer, may deal with the product as if it had been sold by all the patentees. (3) This section does not affect the rights or obligations of a trustee or of the legal representative of a deceased person, or rights or obligations arising out of either of those relationships. 17 Directions to co‑owners (1) Where there are 2 or more patentees, the Commissioner may, on the application of any of them, give such directions in accordance with the application as the Commissioner thinks fit, being directions about: (a) a dealing with the patent or an interest in it; or (b) the grant of licences under the patent; or (c) the exercise of a right under section 16 in relation to the patent. (2) If a patentee fails to do anything necessary to carry out a direction under subsection (1) within 14 days after being asked in writing to do so by one of the other patentees, the Commissioner may, on the application of one of those other patentees, direct a person to do it in the name and on behalf of the defaulting patentee. (3) Before giving a direction, the Commissioner must give an opportunity to be heard: (a) in the case of an application by a patentee or patentees under subsection (1)—to the other patentee or patentees; and (b) in the case of an application under subsection (2)—to the defaulting patentee. (4) The Commissioner must not give a direction that: (a) affects the rights or obligations of a trustee or of the legal representative of a deceased person, or rights or obligations arising out of either of those relationships; or (b) is inconsistent with the terms of an agreement between the patentees. Part 3—Validity Division 1—Validity 18 Patentable inventions Patentable inventions for the purposes of a standard patent (1) Subject to subsection (2), an invention is a patentable invention for the purposes of a standard patent if the invention, so far as claimed in any claim: (a) is a manner of manufacture within the meaning of section 6 of the Statute of Monopolies; and (b) when compared with the prior art base as it existed before the priority date of that claim: (i) is novel; and (ii) involves an inventive step; and (c) is useful; and (d) was not secretly used in the patent area before the priority date of that claim by, or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee or nominated person or the patentee's or nominated person's predecessor in title to the invention. Patentable inventions for the purposes of an innovation patent (1A) Subject to subsections (2) and (3), an invention is a patentable invention for the purposes of an innovation patent if the invention, so far as claimed in any claim: (a) is a manner of manufacture within the meaning of section 6 of the Statute of Monopolies; and (b) when compared with the prior art base as it existed before the priority date of that claim: (i) is novel; and (ii) involves an innovative step; and (c) is useful; and (d) was not secretly used in the patent area before the priority date of that claim by, or on behalf of, or with the authority of, the patentee or nominated person or the patentee's or nominated person's predecessor in title to the invention. (2) Human beings, and the biological processes for their generation, are not patentable inventions. Certain inventions not patentable inventions for the purposes of an innovation patent (3) For the purposes of an innovation patent, plants and animals, and the biological processes for the generation of plants and animals, are not patentable inventions. (4) Subsection (3) does not apply if the invention is a microbiological process or a product of such a process. [Note: see also sections 7 and 9.] 19 Certificate of validity (1) In any proceedings in a court in which the validity of a patent, or of a claim, is disputed, the court may certify that the validity of a specified claim was questioned. (2) If a court issues a certificate, then, in any subsequent proceedings for infringement of the claim concerned, or for the revocation of the patent so far as it relates to that claim, the patentee, or any other person supporting the validity of the claim is, on obtaining a final order or judgment in his or her favour, entitled to full costs, charges and expenses as between solicitor and client, so far as that claim is concerned. (3) Subsection (2) has effect subject to any direction by the court trying the proceedings. 20 Validity of patent not guaranteed (1) Nothing done under this Act or the PCT guarantees the granting of a patent, or that a patent is valid, in Australia or anywhere else. (2) The Commonwealth, the Commissioner, a Deputy Commissioner, or an employee, is not liable because of, or in connection with, doing any act under this Act or the PCT, or any proceedings consequent on doing any such act. 21 Validity not implied by making or refusal of non‑infringement declaration The making of, or refusal to make, a non‑infringement declaration in respect of a claim of a patent does not imply that the claim is valid. Division 2—Matters not affecting validity 22A Validity not affected by who patent is granted to A patent is not invalid merely because: (a) the patent, or a share in the patent, was granted to a person who was not entitled to it; or (b) the patent, or a share in the patent, was not granted to a person who was entitled to it. 22 Invalidity in relation to one claim not to affect validity in relation to other claims The invalidity of a patent in relation to a claim does not affect its validity in relation to any other claim. 23 Validity not affected by publication etc. after priority date A patent is not invalid, so far as the invention is claimed in any claim, merely because of: (a) the publication or use of the invention, so far as claimed in that claim, on or after the priority date of that claim; or (b) the grant of another patent which claims the invention, so far as claimed in the first‑mentioned claim, in a claim of the same or a later priority date. 24 Validity not affected by making information available in certain circumstances (1) For the purpose of deciding whether an invention is novel or involves an inventive step or an innovative step, the person making the decision must disregard: (a) any information made publicly available in the prescribed circumstances, by or with the consent of the nominated person or patentee, or the predecessor in title of the nominated person or patentee; and (b) any information made publicly available without the consent of the nominated person or patentee, through any publication or use of the invention by another person who derived the information from the nominated person or patentee or from the predecessor in title of the nominated person or patentee; but only if a complete application for the invention is made within the prescribed period. (2) For the purpose of deciding whether an invention is novel or involves an inventive step or an innovative step, the person making the decision must disregard: (a) any information given by, or with the consent of, the nominated person or the patentee, or his or her predecessor in title, to any of the following, but to no other person or organisation: (i) the Commonwealth or a State or Territory, or an authority of the Commonwealth or a State or Territory; (ii) a person authorised by the Commonwealth or a State or Territory to investigate the invention; and (b) anything done for the purpose of an investigation mentioned in subparagraph (a)(ii). 25 Validity: patents of addition Objection cannot be taken to a patent request or complete specification in respect of an application for a patent of addition, and a patent of addition is not invalid, merely because the invention, so far as claimed, does not involve an inventive step, having regard to the publication or use of the main invention during the prescribed period. 26 Validity not affected in certain cases involving amendments (1) Objection cannot be taken to a patent request and specification that have been accepted, and a patent is not invalid, merely because the specification claims an invention that was not the subject of the request, or that was not described or claimed in the specification as filed. (2) Except in the case of an amendment made in contravention of section 112 or 112A, objection cannot be taken to a patent request and specification that have been accepted, and a patent is not invalid, merely because an amendment of the specification has been made that was not allowable. Division 3—Notice of matters affecting validity 27 Notice of matters affecting validity of standard patents (1) A person may, within the prescribed period after a complete specification filed in relation to an application for a standard patent becomes open to public inspection, notify the Commissioner, in accordance with the regulations, that the person asserts, for reasons stated in the notice, that the invention concerned is not a patentable invention because it does not comply with paragraph 18(1)(b). (2) The Commissioner must: (a) notify the applicant for the patent of any matter of which the Commissioner is notified under subsection (1); and (b) give the applicant for the patent a copy of any document accompanying the notice under subsection (1). (2A) Without limiting paragraph (2)(b), the Commissioner may give the copy by: (a) making the copy available to the applicant for the patent in an electronic form; and (b) notifying the applicant for the patent that the copy is available. (3) The Commissioner must otherwise consider and deal with a notice in accordance with the regulations. (4) A notice and any document accompanying it are open to public inspection. 28 Notice of matters affecting validity of innovation patents Person may give notice of invalidity of an innovation patent (1) A person may notify the Commissioner that the person asserts, for reasons stated in the notice, that an innovation patent is invalid because the invention concerned does not comply with paragraph 18(1A)(b). When notice may be given (2) A notice may only be given to the Commissioner under subsection (1) in respect of an innovation patent within the prescribed period after an innovation patent has been granted. How notice must be given (3) Notice must be given in accordance with the regulations. Commissioner must notify patentee of notice given (4) The Commissioner must: (a) notify the patentee of any matter of which the Commissioner is notified under subsection (1); and (b) give the patentee a copy of any document accompanying the notice under subsection (1). (4A) Without limiting paragraph (4)(b), the Commissioner may give the copy by: (a) making the copy available to the patentee in an electronic form; and (b) notifying the patentee that the copy is available. Commissioner to deal with notice in accordance with regulations (5) The Commissioner must otherwise consider and deal with a notice in accordance with the regulations. Chapter 3—From application to acceptance Part 1—Patent applications Division 1—Applications 29 Application for patent—general rules (1) A person may apply for a patent for an invention by filing, in accordance with the regulations, a patent request and such other documents as are prescribed. (2) An application may be a provisional application or a complete application. (3) A patent request in relation to a provisional application must: (a) be in the approved form; and (b) be in English; and (c) be accompanied by a provisional specification. (4) The provisional specification referred to in paragraph (3)(c) must: (a) be in the approved form; and (b) be in English. (4A) A patent request in relation to a complete application must: (a) be in the approved form; and (b) be in English; and (c) be accompanied by a complete specification; and (d) comply with the formalities requirements determined in an instrument under section 229. (4B) The complete specification referred to in paragraph (4A)(c) must: (a) be in the approved form; and (b) be in English; and (c) comply with the formalities requirements determined in an instrument under section 229. (5) In this section: person includes a body of persons, whether incorporated or not. [Note: see also section 5 for requirements relating to associated applications.] 29A Applications for patents—special rules for PCT applications (1) A PCT application is to be treated as a complete application under this Act for a standard patent. (2) The description, drawings, graphics, photographs and claims contained in a PCT application are to be treated as a complete specification filed in respect of the application. (3) The specification of a PCT application is to be taken to be amended in the circumstances, on the day and in the manner as prescribed by the regulations. (4) A PCT application is to be taken to comply with the prescribed requirements of this Act that relate to applications for standard patents, but is not to be taken, merely because of subsection (1) or (2), to comply with any other requirements of this Act. (5) An applicant of a PCT application must do the following within the prescribed period: (a) if the application was not filed in the receiving Office in English—file a translation of the application into English; (b) in any case—file the prescribed documents and pay the prescribed fees. (6) An applicant is not entitled to ask that any action be taken, or that he or she be allowed to take any action, under this Act in relation to a PCT application unless the following requirements of subsection (5) have been met (if applicable): (a) a translation of the application into English has been filed; (b) the prescribed documents have been filed; (c) the prescribed fees have been paid. Note: A failure to comply with subsection (5) may also result in the PCT application lapsing: see paragraph 142(2)(f). 29B Applications for patents—special rules for Convention applications Making Convention applications (1) A Convention applicant in relation to a basic application may make a Convention application, or 2 or more such applicants may make a joint Convention application. (2) If 2 or more basic applications for protection in respect of inventions have been made in one or more Convention countries, one Convention application may be made by a Convention applicant in relation to those basic applications, or by 2 or more such entitled applicants jointly, in respect of the inventions disclosed in the basic applications. (3) Subject to subsections (4) and (5), a Convention application must be made and dealt with in the same way as any other patent application. (4) A patent request relating to a Convention application must: (a) include the prescribed particulars relating to the relevant basic application; and (b) be accompanied by a complete specification. Meaning of Convention country (5) Convention country means a foreign country or region of a kind prescribed by the regulations. (6) Despite subsection 14(2) of the Legislation Act 2003, regulations made for the purposes of the definition of Convention country in subsection (5) may make provision in relation to a matter by applying, adopting or incorporating, with or without modification, any matter contained in any other instrument or other writing as in force or existing from time to time. 30 Filing date A patent application (including a PCT application) is to be taken to have been made on the filing date determined under the regulations. 31 Joint applicants 2 or more persons (within the meaning of section 29) may make a joint patent application. 32 Disputes between applicants etc. (1) If a dispute arises between any 2 or more joint applicants in relation to a patent application whether, or in what manner, the application should proceed, the Commissioner may, on a request made in accordance with the regulations by any of those applicants, make any determinations the Commissioner thinks fit for enabling the application to proceed in the name of one or more of the applicants alone, or for regulating the manner in which it is to proceed, or both, as the case requires. (2) The Commissioner may make a determination under subsection (1) whether or not the application has lapsed. (3) The Commissioner must not make a determination under subsection (1) without first giving each joint applicant a reasonable opportunity to be heard. 33 Applications by opponents etc. Opposition to standard patent if a person other than nominated person eligible for grant of patent (1) If: (a) an application has been made for a standard patent; and (b) the grant of the standard patent is opposed under section 59 by one or more persons; and (c) the Commissioner decides, under section 60, that: (i) one or more opponents are eligible persons in relation to the invention, so far as claimed in any claim of the opposed patent application (the original claim); and (ii) the nominated person in respect of the application is not an eligible person in relation to the invention; and (iii) there is no other reason that a patent should not be granted; and (d) a complete application is made under section 29 by one or more of the eligible persons for a patent in relation to the invention; the Commissioner may grant those eligible persons a patent jointly for the invention, so far as so claimed. Opposition to standard patent if nominated person eligible for grant of patent with other persons (2) If: (a) an application has been made for a standard patent; and (b) the grant of the patent is opposed under section 59 by one or more persons; and (c) the Commissioner decides, under section 60: (i) that both the nominated person and one or more of the opponents are eligible persons in relation to the invention, so far as claimed in any claim of the opposed patent application (the original claim); and (ii) that there is no other reason that a patent should not be granted; and (d) a complete application is made by one or more of the eligible persons under section 29 for a patent in relation to the invention; the Commissioner may grant a patent for the invention, so far as so claimed, to those eligible persons jointly. Opposition to innovation patent if patentee not entitled to grant of patent but another person is (3) If: (a) an innovation patent is opposed under section 101M by one or more persons; (b) the Commissioner decides, under section 101N, that the patentee is not entitled to the grant of the patent; and (c) the Commissioner decides that one or more of the opponents are eligible persons in relation to the invention the subject of the patent, so far as claimed in any claim of the patent (the original claim); and (d) a complete application is made by one or more of the eligible persons under section 29 for a patent in relation to the invention; the Commissioner may grant an innovation patent for the invention, so far as so claimed, to those eligible persons. Opposition to innovation patent if patentee entitled to grant of patent with other person (4) If: (a) an innovation patent is opposed under section 101M by one or more persons; and (b) the Commissioner decides that one or more of the opponents and the original patentee are eligible persons in relation to the invention the subject of the patent, so far as claimed in any claim of the patent (the original claim); and (c) a complete application is made by one or more of the eligible persons under section 29 for a patent in relation to the invention; the Commissioner may grant an innovation patent for the invention, so far as so claimed, to those eligible persons jointly. (5) If the Commissioner grants a patent under subsection (1), (2), (3) or (4), the claims of that patent granted have the same priority date as that of the original claim referred to in the respective subsection. 34 Applications by eligible persons arising out of Court proceedings (1) If, in any proceedings in a court relating to a patent (the first patent), the court is satisfied either: (a) that one or more persons are eligible persons in relation to an invention so far as claimed in any claim of the patent (the original claim) but that the patentee is not an eligible person; or (b) that the patentee and another person or persons are eligible persons in relation to an invention so far as claimed in any claim of the first patent (the original claim); the court, in addition to any other order it may make in the proceedings, may, by order, declare that the persons who it is satisfied are eligible persons are eligible persons in relation to that invention so far as so claimed. (2) Subject to subsection (3), if a complete application is made under section 29 by one or more declared persons, the Commissioner may grant a patent for the invention, so far as claimed in the original claim, to those declared persons jointly. (3) If the Commissioner grants a patent under subsection (2), the claims of that patent have the same priority date as that of the original claim. 35 Applications by eligible persons following revocation by Commissioner (1) If the Commissioner: (a) revokes a patent under section 137; and (b) is satisfied, on the balance of probabilities: (i) on application made by one or more persons in accordance with the regulations, that the persons are eligible persons in relation to the invention concerned, so far as so claimed in any claim of the revoked patent (the original claim) and that the former patentee is not such an eligible person; or (ii) on application made by one or more persons in accordance with the regulations, that the persons and the former patentee are eligible persons in relation to the invention concerned, so far as is claimed in any claim of the revoked patent (the original claim); the Commissioner may declare in writing that the eligible persons are such eligible persons. (1A) If a complete application is made under section 29 by one or more of the declared persons, the Commissioner may grant a patent for the invention, so far as so claimed, to those declared persons jointly. (1B) If the Commissioner grants a patent under subsection (1A), the claims of that patent have the same priority date as that of the original claim as referred to in subsection (1). (2) The Commissioner must not make a declaration without first giving the former patentee a reasonable opportunity to be heard. (3) An appeal lies to the Federal Court against a decision of the Commissioner making, or refusing to make, a declaration. 36 Other applications by eligible persons (1) If: (a) a patent application has been made and, in the case of a complete application, the patent has not been granted; and (b) an application for a declaration by the Commissioner is made by one or more persons (the section 36 applicants) in accordance with the regulations; and (c) the Commissioner is satisfied on the balance of probabilities, in relation to an invention disclosed in the specification filed in relation to the application for the patent: (i) that the nominated person is not an eligible person, but that the section 36 applicants are eligible persons; or (ii) that the nominated person is an eligible person, but that the section 36 applicants are also eligible persons; the Commissioner may declare in writing that the persons who the Commissioner is satisfied are eligible persons are eligible persons in relation to the invention as so disclosed. (2) The Commissioner may make a declaration under subsection (1) whether or not the patent application lapses or is withdrawn. (3) The Commissioner must not make a declaration under subsection (1) without first giving the nominated person a reasonable opportunity to be heard. (3A) The Commissioner may, after making a declaration under subsection (1), make any determination the Commissioner thinks fit for enabling the application to proceed in the name of one or more of the declared persons. (4) If a complete application is made under section 29 by one or more of the declared persons, the priority date of the claims of a patent for the invention granted to the person, or persons, as the case may be, must be determined under the regulations. (5) An appeal lies to the Federal Court against a decision by the Commissioner under this section. 37 Complete application may be treated as provisional (1) Where a complete application is made, the applicant may, at any time during the prescribed period, by written request, ask the Commissioner to direct that the application be treated as a provisional application. (2) A person is not entitled to make a request if the patent request and specification filed in respect of the application have been accepted or have become open to public inspection. (3) On receiving a request, the Commissioner must give a direction as asked. (4) Where the Commissioner gives a direction, the complete application is to be taken, for the purposes of this Act, to be, and to have always been, a provisional application. 38 Time for making complete application (1) If an applicant makes a provisional application, the applicant may make one or more complete applications associated with the provisional application at any time within the prescribed period. (1A) A Convention application must be made within the prescribed period. (2) In this section: applicant includes a person entitled to make a request under section 113 in relation to the relevant patent application. [Note: see also section 5 for requirements relating to associated applications.] Division 2—Specifications 40 Specifications Requirements relating to provisional specifications (1) A provisional specification must disclose the invention in a manner which is clear enough and complete enough for the invention to be performed by a person skilled in the relevant art. Requirements relating to complete specifications (2) A complete specification must: (a) disclose the invention in a manner which is clear enough and complete enough for the invention to be performed by a person skilled in the relevant art; and (aa) disclose the best method known to the applicant of performing the invention; and (b) where it relates to an application for a standard patent—end with a claim or claims defining the invention; and (c) where it relates to an application for an innovation patent—end with at least one and no more than 5 claims defining the invention. (3) The claim or claims must be clear and succinct and supported by matter disclosed in the specification. (3A) The claim or claims must not rely on references to descriptions, drawings, graphics or photographs unless absolutely necessary to define the invention. (4) The claim or claims must relate to one invention only. 41 Specifications: micro‑organisms Provisional specifications (1A) A specification is taken to comply with subsection 40(1), so far as it requires a description of a micro‑organism, if: (a) the micro‑organism is deposited with a prescribed depository institution in accordance with such provisions of the Budapest Treaty as are applicable; and (b) the prescribed circumstances apply. Complete specifications (1) To the extent that an invention is a micro‑organism, the complete specification is to be taken to comply with paragraph 40(2)(a), so far as it requires a description of the micro‑organism, if the deposit requirements are satisfied in relation to the micro‑organism. (2) Where: (a) an invention involves the use, modification or cultivation of a micro‑organism, other than the micro‑organism mentioned in subsection (1); and (b) a person skilled in the relevant art in the patent area could not reasonably be expected to perform the invention without having a sample of the micro‑organism before starting to perform the invention; and (c) the micro‑organism is not reasonably available to a person skilled in the relevant art in the patent area; the specification is to be taken to comply with paragraph 40(2)(a), so far as it requires a description of the micro‑organism, if, and only if, the deposit requirements are satisfied in relation to the micro‑organism. (3) For the purposes of this section, a micro‑organism may be taken to be reasonably available to a person even if it is not so available in the patent area. (4) Where: (a) the requirements specified in paragraph 6(c) or (d) cease to be satisfied in relation to a micro‑organism; and (b) steps are taken at a later time within the prescribed period in accordance with such provisions (if any) of the regulations as are applicable; and (c) as a result of those steps, if the period during which those requirements are not satisfied is disregarded, those requirements would be satisfied at that later time; those requirements are to be taken to have been satisfied during the period mentioned in paragraph (c), and such provisions as are prescribed have effect for the protection or compensation of persons who availed themselves, or took definite steps by way of contract or otherwise to avail themselves, of the invention during that period. [Note: see also section 6 in relation to satisfaction of deposit requirements.] 42 Micro‑organisms ceasing to be reasonably available (1) Where: (a) a complete application has been made for a patent, or a patent has been granted for an invention of a kind mentioned in paragraph 41(2)(a); and (b) the relevant micro‑organism was, at the date of filing of the complete specification, reasonably available (within the meaning of section 41) to a skilled person working in the relevant art in the patent area; and (c) the micro‑organism has ceased to be so available; a prescribed court or the Commissioner, on application made in accordance with the regulations, or the Commissioner, on his or her own motion, may declare that the specification does not comply with section 40 unless the deposit requirements are satisfied in relation to the micro‑organism. (2) Where a declaration is made under subsection (1): (a) this Act has effect in relation to the specification accordingly; and (b) section 6 applies as if the references in that section to the date of filing of the specification were references to a date specified in the declaration for the purposes of this subsection. (3) Subsection (2) does not limit the operation of section 223. (4) Where: (a) an application is made under subsection (1); or (b) the Commissioner proposes to make a declaration under that subsection on his or her own motion; the applicant for the patent, or the patentee, as the case may be, must be notified, in accordance with the regulations, of the application or proposal and is entitled to appear and be heard. (5) A declaration by the Commissioner must be made in accordance with the regulations. (6) An office copy of a declaration by a prescribed court must be served on the Commissioner by the Registrar or other appropriate officer of the court. (7) An appeal lies to the Federal Court against a decision of the Commissioner under subsection (1). [Note: see also section 6 in relation to satisfaction of deposit requirements.] Division 3—Priority dates 43 Priority dates (1) Each claim of a specification must have a priority date. (2) The priority date of a claim is: (a) if subsection (2A) applies to the claim—the date determined under the regulations; or (b) otherwise—the date of the filing of the specification. (2A) This subsection applies to a claim if: (a) prescribed circumstances apply in relation to the invention defined in the claim; and (b) a prescribed document discloses, or a prescribed set of prescribed documents considered together disclose, the invention in the claim in a manner that is clear enough and complete enough for the invention to be performed by a person skilled in the relevant art. (2B) A prescribed document, or a prescribed set of prescribed documents considered together, is taken to disclose the invention in a claim as mentioned in paragraph (2A)(b) so far as such disclosure requires a description of a micro‑organism, if: (a) the micro‑organism is deposited with a prescribed depository institution in accordance with such provisions of the Budapest Treaty as are applicable; and (b) the prescribed circumstances apply. (3) Where a claim defines more than one form of an invention, then, for the purposes of determining the priority date of the claim, it must be treated as if it were a separate claim for each form of the invention that is defined. (4) The priority date of a claim of a specification may be different from the priority date of any other claim of the specification. (5) If, at the time when a Convention application or a PCT application is made in respect of an invention: (a) an application (the earlier application) has been made for protection in respect of the invention in a Convention country; and (b) the earlier application was made in the prescribed period; and (c) the earlier application has been withdrawn, abandoned or refused without becoming open to public inspection; and (d) the earlier application has not been used as the basis of claiming a right of priority in a Convention country under a law of that country; and (e) a later application has been made by the same applicant for protection in respect of the invention in a Convention country; the earlier application is taken, for the purposes of this Act, to have never been made. Note: For the purposes of paragraph (e), the later application need not have been made in the same Convention country as the earlier application. 43AA Disclosure in basic applications Prescribed documents relating to basic applications (1) The regulations may prescribe documents that relate to a basic application. Disclosures in prescribed documents may generally be taken into account (2) Without limiting the documents or disclosures that may be taken into account for the purposes of this Act in relation to a basic application, account may be taken of a disclosure in a prescribed document that relates to a basic application. Disclosures in prescribed documents must not be taken into account if Commissioner's requirement not complied with (3) However, if the Commissioner ma