HC Deb 31 July 1947 vol 441 cc85-6W
88. Mr. D. Jones

asked the President of the Board of Trade whether the is aware of the hardship caused to a number of patentees, who, through causes over which they have no control are unable to work their patents, but have to continue to pay their fees; and what steps the proposes taking to relieve these people of this imposition.

Sir S. Cripps

It is not administratively practicable to relieve a patentee of the statutory obligation to pay renewal fees in order to keep a patent in force in cases where the invention is not exploited, whether the reasons for non-exploitation are beyond his control or not. A measure of relief in the circumstances mentioned is afforded by Section 18 of the Patents and Designs Acts which allows a patentee who has suffered loss by reason of hostilities to apply to the Comptroller or the Court for an extension of the term of his patent. No renewal fees are charged in respect of any extension of term so granted.