Patents Act, 1970
53. Term of patent
(1) Subject to the provisions of this Act, the term of every
patent granted under this Act shall-
(a) in respect of an invention claiming the
method or process of manufacture of a substance, where the substance is
intended for use, or is capable of being used, as food or as medicine or drug,
be five years from the date of sealing of the patent, or seven years from the
date of the patent whichever period is shorter; and
(b) in respect, of any other invention, be
fourteen years from the date of the patent.
(2) A patent shall cease to have effect notwithstanding anything
therein or in this Act on the expiration of the period prescribed for the
payment of any renewal fee, if that fee is not paid within the prescribed
period or within that period as extended under this section.
(3) The period prescribed for the payment of any renewal fee
shall be extended to such period, not being more than six months longer than
the prescribed period, as may be specified in a request made to the Controller
if the request is made and the renewal fee and the prescribed additional fee
paid before the expiration of the period so specified.