The normal period for furnishing suggestions/comments being 30 days, last date for receipt will be 23 July 2005.

·Computer software per se is not patentable, but in combination with or embedded in hardware is patentable.

·Provision of 'acceptance of specification' and its advertisement have been deleted.

·Provision for pre-grant and post-grant opposition to granting of a patent.

·Application for patent will be published in Official Journal. At that time opposition can be made on limited grounds but hearing is not mandatory.

·After grant of patent, opposition can be made within 12 months.

·Provision of sealing of patent omitted.

·Provision for acquisition of patent for public health purposes.

·Suit for infringement of patent cannot commence before date of publication of publication of application.

·Penalties enhanced substantially.