An officer or employee in the patent office shall not, except when required or authorised by this Act or under a direction in writing of the 1[Central Government or Appellate Board] or the Controller or by order of a court,--

(a) furnish information on a matter which is being, or has been,or dealt with under this Act 2***;

(b) prepare or assist in the preparation of a document required or permitted by or under this Act 2*** to be lodged in the patent office; or

(c) conduct a search in the records of the patent office.

--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------------

Footnote -

1. Subs. by Act 38 of 2002, s. 36, for "Central Government" (w.e.f. 20-5-2003).

2. The words and figures "or under the Indian Patents or Designs Act, 1911 (2 of 1911)" omitted by s. 36, ibid. (w.e.f. 20-5-2003).