In Intellectual Property terms, sealing refers to the finalisation of a patent application. In older times, a paper certificate used to be issued with the government seal on it. This is still done in some countries, but in Australia nowadays an electronic patent certificate is issued that can be checked against an online register of patents.
The last step in the patent approvals process, receiving the seal of the Patent Office means your patent application journey is complete.
Once sealed, a patent is deemed authenticated and the deed of ownership is sent to the patent applicant.
The sealing of a patent application is only possible once it has been published as having been granted in the Australian Official Journal of Patents.
If there are no oppositions registered to your patent post-publishing, your patent will be sealed typically within four to six months of the end of the advertisement date.
Once sealed, your patent is considered granted and limited further amendments to the patent can be made.
A patent may only be authenticated and sealed by the Commissioner of Patents.
This is an authorised representative of IP Australia (the Australian patent office) that finalises your application and makes the final decision on whether to grant your patent.
Should an opposition be made to your patent application after it is published, you will be notified and sealing will be delayed until the opposition is resolved. The Commissioner of Patents may also refuse to seal your application on other grounds and time may be granted to rectify any issues.
Whether approved or declined, the Commissioners decision will also be published in the Official Journal of Patents (Official Journal).
Encountering problems at this final stage of the patent process can be stressful and confusing. If in doubt, always speak with a qualified patent attorney before responding to opposition.
I found them online and initially I was bit hesitant to talk to them about my problem but when I spoke to Barry, I felt more comfortable, and he gave me all the information and advice I wanted without even thinking that I am going to give him business or not. Finally, I went with them, and they made the entire process so smooth and easy for me. john was keeping us updated with each step he was doing. I would recommend these guys for any patent or trademark related service.
I would like to express my thanks to Barry and his team at IP Guardian in Sydney for their assistance with our recent Trademark application. Barry was highly professional, readily available throughout the process and clearly communicated expectations. Barry even helped us refine our application so that we had a greater chance of success which was very much appreciated to avoid extra costs. I would highly recommend Ip Guardian for all your Trademark and Intellectual Property needs.
Barry, last week, you and your professional team, made my year (or probably my next 21 years). So thank you so much for your executive, calm yet very effective actions under extream pressure. Elias Hajjar, Director, TROLLEYON PTY LTD
Informative, understood the business, what it needed and answered questions in a friendly and approachable manner. Easy decision to continue working with IPGuardian for future trademarking
From the day I contacted Barry Meskin until now with my silly amateur questions, he has been nothing short of amazing. I actually NEVER leave reviews anywhere, but I felt the need to do so for Barry and his team. I myself am a tradie, so I felt intimidated speaking to an attorney. But the second I spoke to him on the phone, he made me feel right at home. Never pressured me into any decisions, yet when I decided to go ahead with him, he delivered what I needed much quicker than what I was expecting. I cannot speak highly enough of him and recommend his services 100%.
The team at IP Guardian have made the process extremely straight forward and easy for us to understand exactly what was required. I will highly recommend to our clients who need help with IP.
I have dealt with Barry over the years, his advice and experience has helped me greatly. Looking for to working with him and his team again. Maher.
IP Guardian helps protect words, symbols, letters, numbers, names, signatures, phrases, sounds, shapes and smells. Yes, I said smells.
We've had the pleasure to work closely with Barry for many years. He has been exceptional to deal with and has a keen focus in providing a commercial led IP "go to market" strategy for start-ups and well known brands. Makes it easy and always advises on different ways to navigate through the IP process.
Barry Meskin @ IP Guardian is an experienced and extremely knowledgeable expert in the domain of intellectual property, patents and trademarks. In addition he has been extremely responsive and very professional in all our dealings. I wholeheartedly recommend Barry's services to any business or anyone seeking advice in this area - great quality and great value.