We are currently developing a new site to host the Patent Manual of Practice and Procedure. The BETA version of this site is now available for you to review. The information and content displayed in the BETA site is only available for testing purposes. Do not use or reference the information in the BETA site when making any decisions or actions regarding IP rights.

2.31.2.4 Convention Applications

Date Published

An innovation patent application may be a Convention application. The statutory requirements and associated procedures are the same as those outlined for standard patent applications (see 2.21 Convention Applications).


Basic Specifications

A copy of the basic specification for an innovation patent will only be required in the same circumstances as for a standard patent application (see 2.21.3.8 Basic Specifications).

If the basic specification is in a language other than English, the patentee does not need to file a translation unless requested to do so by the Commissioner. The Commissioner will only request a translation where the circumstances set out in 2.21.3.8 Basic Specifications arise.


Time Limits for Providing Basic Specifications and/or Translations

The patentee must file the basic specification and/or its translation* within 3 months from the date of the Commissioner's request under sec 43AA.

A request by the Commissioner for a copy of a basic specification and/or its translation* during examination may in some circumstances extend the period for certification by up to 5 months.  For further information on the procedures to be followed, see 2.31.4.2 Period for Examination to be Carried Out.

*Note: For translations filed before or on 25 September 2019, a certificate of verification for the translation must also be provided.

Back to top