COLOMBIA
May 17, 2016
Some important changes recently imposed by the Colombian Patent Office, effective immediately, will impact the procedure of patent applications. The Colombian Patent Office has issued Resolution No.3719 dated February 2, 2016, by means of which it has regulated, (i) divisional and conversion of patent applications (a complete information will follow shortly as the changes need to be further explained) and (ii) the examination of patent applications in process.
In relation to this second (ii) issue, when the applicant in its response to the examination of patentability modifies: the claim chapter, the description of the invention or presents a new claim chapter, it is necessary to pay again, the fee for the examination of patentability. Please note that the Patent Office, if deemed necessary, can request up to two (2) new exams and/or office actions. However, the Patent Office will have 18 months from the publication of the patent application and 9 months for utility mode applications to issue the office actions. These changes are effective also to pending prosecution of patent applications.