The Patents (Amendment) (No. 2) Rules 1999

Citation, commencement and transitional

18.  In rule 88 (Comptroller’s discretionary powers)—

(a) in paragraph (1), for the words “the party concerned consents to shorter notice” substitute the words “he considers a different period is appropriate”;

(b) after paragraph (1) insert—

“(1A) At any stage of any proceedings before the comptroller, he may direct that the party or parties to the proceedings attend a case management conference at which he may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the management of the proceedings. The comptroller shall give the party or parties at least fourteen days notice of the date of the case management conference.

(1B) Before hearing any party or parties that desire to be heard in any proceedings before him, the comptroller may direct that the party or parties attend a pre-hearing review at which he may give such directions as he may think fit with regard to the management of the hearing. The comptroller shall give the party or parties at least fourteen days notice of the date of the pre-hearing review.”;

(c) in paragraphs (2) and (3) for the words “inter partes” substitute the word “any”.