Updates: Formalities Manual (online version)
2022
Chapter 4: Description, claims and abstract
From 1st July 2022, any sequence listing filed must be in ST26 format. Formalities are responsible for checking the validity of a sequence list using the WIPO Validator Tool added to chapter 4.18
2021
Chapter 2: Request for grant of a patent (Form 1)
Sections 2.49 and 2.50 amended with relation to Transition Period.
Chapter 14: Divisional applications
Section 14.02 amended in relation to Transition Period.
2020
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
6.32 (plus fee currently £150)” changed to (no fee until 31 March 2021, £150 thereafter).
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
7.01 new fees added.
Chapter 10: Extension of time limits (Rule 108 and Rule 109)
10:32 “accompanied by the fee of £135” changed to: (no fee until 31 March 2021, £135 thereafter).
Chapter 13: Applications under the PCT
13.96 “plus a fee of £150” changed to: (no fee until 31 March 2021, £150 thereafter).
2019
Section 3.05 updated.
Chapter 4: Description, claims and abstract
Section 4.31 updated.
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
Section 6.38 updated.
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
Sections 7.40 and 7.58 amended.
2018
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
Chapter 7.46 amended.
Paragraphs 11.44 and 11:45 amended and paragraphs 11.65 to 11.67 have been deleted.
Paragraph 12.47 reference to PDN amended to 05/17
Chapter 15: Private Applicants
Annex 15B replaced.
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
Chapter 7.01 updated.
Chapter 9: Post publication formalities examination
Chapter 9.04 updated.
2017
Chapter 1: Patents and Formalities
New section added.
Chapter 2: Request for grant of a patent (Form 1)
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 4: Description, claims and abstract
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 6: Declaration of priority
New section added.
Chapter 7: Preliminary examination and reports
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 9: Post publication formalities examination
New section added.
Chapter 10: Extension of time limits (Rule 108 and Rule 109)
New section added.
New section added.
New section added.
Chapter 13: Applications under the PCT
New section added.
Chapter 14: Divisional applications
New section added.
Chapter 15: Private Applicants
New section added.
Chapter 16: Certified office copies (COC)
New section added.