!092894 Australia to adopt 20 year patent term Some interesting news from Australia. Greg Aharonian Internet Patent News Service ==================== The Australian Government has announced that as from 1 July 1995 a 20 year term will apply to all standard patents whose 16 year term would end on or after 1 July 1995, and to all patents granted from that date. This will include pharmaceutical patents, but the existing extension of term arrangements continue to apply to patents whose 16 year term expires before 1 July 1995. Under the transitional arrangements, anyone who has made a significant investment at the end of the 16 year term patent term, can apply to the courts for a compulsory licence. This change will bring Australia into line with the standards and principles prescribed for patents in the Agreement Establishing the World Trade Organization. Colin D. Macauley Callinan Lawrie Patent Attorneys 278 High Street Kew Victoria Australia 3101