Subsequent to the lockdown/restrictions announced due to the COVID-19 situation, by the Government of India, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bangladesh & the Maldives the respective IP offices have either suspended their operations or have limited staff working remotely.

India: All operations suspended until May 18, 2020 and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until May 18, 2020. However, the online filing system continues to be active and can be used by the applicant/counsels to complete their filings.

Pakistan: All operations suspended until May 09, 2020 and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until May 09, 2020.

Sri Lanka: The IP Office is working remotely. All deadlines are extended to May 11, 2020. Considering that most of the filings are still made on paper, the IPO has advised applicants to make an online payment for deadline matters and email the IPO with the payment details to maintain the deadline. The paper documents are to be filed when the IPO opens after the COVID-19 situation.

Bangladesh: All operations suspended until May 31, 2020 and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until May 16, 2020.

Nepal: All operations suspended until April 27, 2020 and deadlines to be met during this period will be automatically extended until April 27, 2020.

Bhutan: The IP office continues to function with staff attending office taking turns and the remaining staff working remotely.

Maldives: Publication of cautionary notices are working normally as before through digital print media. No hard copies of the publication would be sent until further notice.

Last Updated: 23.12 IST – 24/April/2020