Cancellation of official fees of the Latvian Patent Office for non-observance with procedural terms due to Covid-19 pandemic
Considering the global pandemic crisis caused by Covid-19 in Latvia and worldwide, the confinement seriously affects, burdens or makes it physically impossible for right holders of industrial property to meet procedural deadlines and actions.
In this respect changes in the Regulation of the Cabinet of Ministers have been enforced on 8th of May, 2020.
Until the end of the state of emergency in Latvia – 9th of June, 2020 – right holders of patents, trademarks and designs shall not be charged for the official fees on procedural extensions of terms, renewals or continued processing following the non-observance of terms.
It is important to note that these rules will also apply 4 months after the end of the pandemic, given that the right holder bases the request on difficult circumstances caused by Covid-19 confinement.
An application for renewal of the time limit shall be submitted as soon as the objective circumstances which prevented the performance of the proceedings have ceased to exist.
Depending on further government notices, the state of emergency in Latvia can be extended, which would affect the 4-month period for applying these rules.
If you have any questions regarding the above-mentioned, please let us know and we will be glad to assist.
