An officer or employee in the patent office shall not, except when required or authorised by this Act or under a direction in writing of the 1[Central Government 2***] or the Controller or by order of a court,—
(a) furnish information on a matter which is being, or has been, or dealt with under this Act 3***; or
(b) prepare or assist in the preparation of a document required or permitted by or under this Act 3*** to be lodged in the patent office; or
(c) conduct a search in the records of the patent office.
Footnotes in the official text
- 1.Subs. by Act 38 of 2002, s. 36, for “Central Government” (w.e.f. 20-5-2003).
- 2.The words “or Appellate Board” omitted by Act 33 of 2021, s. 13 (w.e.f. 4-4-2021).
- 3.The words and figures “or under the Indian Patents or Designs Act, 1911 (2 of 1911)” omitted by Act 38 of 2002, s. 36 (w.e.f. 20-5-2003).