I move that the Bill be now read a Second Time. An explanatory memorandum has been circulated with the Bill which will help Deputies to understand its provisions. The laws of all countries relating to patents, designs and trade marks provide for certain periods of time within which application must be made or fees must be paid in order to obtain and maintain the protection of the law. If these times are not observed, applications for protection are refused or existing rights become void. In addition, the protection afforded is only operative in the country in which it is given and inventors, manufacturers and traders are obliged to seek protection in any other countries in which they are interested. Accordingly, not only our own nationals but also foreigners are concerned in the settlement of the legal consequences that may follow from the non-observance of these periods of time.
Owing to the war, with its repercussions on the economic life of every country, many of our own nationals and foreigners who had industrial property rights were unable to comply with the necessary requirements within the stipulated times. The Governments of the various countries took different steps to meet that position. Some from the outset prolonged the stipulated times; others, on the contrary, took no action. With the return of peace it became necessary for the various countries to find a solution of these difficulties. The International Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property is the instrument of the International Union which comprises 43 countries, including this country. Through the Swiss Government, a conference was convened for the purpose of finding a uniform solution for the problem and to conclude an agreement. That conference was held at Neuchatel in February last and it was attended by delegates from 27 countries; five other countries were represented by observers. The agreement drawn up at the conference was signed by the representatives of 24 States and two further States have since adhered to it. At the conference the observers from the United States and Canada indicated they would recommend their Governments to sign the agreement.
This Bill is designed to implement the agreement and is confined to the stipulations of the agreement. The passage of the Bill is a matter of urgency, since most of the periods provided for in the agreement will expire on 30th June, 1948. Accordingly, only a little time remains within which interested parties may avail of the benefits of the agreement. That is why it is desirable to have it passed in the present session.
Question agreed to.