Australia may introduce Object clause in patent act.

Productivity Committee recommendation on Australian Intellectual Property has a revolutionary provision.
RECOMMENDATION 7.1 The Australian Government should incorporate an objects clause into the Patents Act 1990 (Cth). The objects clause should describe the purpose of the legislation as enhancing the wellbeing of Australians by promoting technological innovation and the transfer and dissemination of technology. In so doing, the patent system should balance over time the interests of producers, owners and users of technology.
Interesting from Indian perspective are convergence of thoughts on inventive step, data protection, abolition of Innovation Patent System (petty patents/ utility patents).

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Proposal for expedited examination of Patent application

DIPP issued notification inviting comments on several amendments to patent law. One of the proposed change relates to expeditious processing of patent application when:

• the applicant in the international application designated Indian Patent office as International Searching Authority.
• the applicant, assignee or licensee already starting manufacturing the invention in India or
• undertakes to commence manufacturing in India within 2 years from the date of grant of aptent.

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