A strange note on responding to Patent Office correspondence was circulated back in June 2014, and try as we might we’ve still not been able to find out what was behind it.
The circular note, addressed to patent applicants and IP Consultants (dated 16 June 2014, No. HKI.3-H1.05.02.229), grants an extension of time for responding to Patent Office notices concerning examination. The extension applies to any applications for which the period for substantive examination has expired but in respect of which the Patent Office has not yet issued any examination report. In those cases, a response could be filed within one month from the date of the circular (until 16 July 2014).
Our curiosity has been aroused - what was behind the decision to grant this extension of time? Perhaps our readers could shed some light on the matter.