Responding to COVID-19 – AWA remains fully operational

As the coronavirus continues to spread globally, we wish to let you know that our first priority is the safety and well-being of our employees, clients, families and partners around the world.

We have taken measures in order to do our part in trying to delay the spread of the virus and help flatten the curve.

Plans are in place to ensure that we can continue to deliver the highest level of quality service and execution under these unique circumstances.

AWA remains fully operational during this time. We are utilising electronic case files and procedures to meet due dates as IP offices around the world remain open. Certain offices are providing extensions, but at this time we are committed to working within existing deadlines.

Our Offices

As the impacts of the situation continue to change, we are updating our policies for our offices around the world on a case-by-case basis and in accordance with local recommendations.

In Belgium, a work from home policy is in effect until further notice.

In China and Hong Kong, offices have fully reopened.

In Denmark, the office is open with employees working from home and in the office.

In Sweden, a work from home policy is in effect until further notice.

EPO and EUIPO

The European Patent Office (EPO) has published an advanced Notice further extending deadlines until June 2 2020. It is expected the Notice will be published in the Official Journal shortly.

The European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) has extended all time limits expiring between 9 March 2020 and 17 May 2020 that affect all parties before the Office to 18 May 2020.

For updates on national IP offices, we encourage you to look at World Trademark Review’s in-depth coverage which is tracking measures across the world.

Contact

Please do not hesitate to reach out to your usual contact at AWA if you have any questions.

Our thoughts are with the people who have been affected by this and we appreciate the frontline healthcare workers, local communities and governments working to contain COVID-19.

Updated 11 May 2020