§ 9. Mr. Dayasked the President of the Board of Trade what is, approximately, the average time taken to get a patent through the Patent Office?
§ Mr. RuncimanThe period which elapses between the date of first application and the final grant of a patent varies considerably according to the circumstances of each case. The hon. Member will be aware that a delay of 13 months may, in law, elapse between the lodging of the first application and the lodging by the applicant of the complete specification. The law also provides that a minimum period of two months must elapse between the acceptance of a complete specification by the Patent Office and the grant of the patent. The average time taken at present between the date of first application and the granting of a patent is from 15 to 16 months.
§ Mr. DayDoes not the right hon. Gentleman think that this is rather undue delay, and will he do something to speed up the arrangements?
§ Mr. RuncimanWhat delay there is is not due to any imperfections in the Patent Office.
§ Mr. H. G. WilliamsIs it possible for my right hon. Friend's Department to issue a patent in respect of questions?