16.—(1) Except where refusal is based on an opposition, a notification of refusal shall not be given after the expiry of 18 months after the date on which the notification of the international registration designating Singapore was sent to the Registrar.
[S 740/2014 wef 13/11/2014]
(2) Where there is a possibility that opposition may be filed after the expiry of the period of 18 months, the Registrar shall inform the International Bureau accordingly.
(3) A notification of refusal shall set out the matters required by Article 5 of the Madrid Protocol and Rule 17 of the Common Regulations.
(4) Where —
(a)
after a notification of refusal has been given under rule 11(3), the holder makes representations within the period specified in rule 11(4) or any extended period; or
(b)
after a notification of refusal based on opposition has been given under rule 13(6), the holder files a counter-statement within the period specified in rule 14(1) or any extended period,
the Registrar shall, upon a final decision being made in relation to the refusal, notify the International Bureau of that decision.
(5) For the purposes of paragraph (4), a final decision shall be regarded as being made where —
(a)
the Registrar or the Court on appeal from the Registrar decides whether the refusal shall be upheld, in whole or in relation to only some of the goods or services in relation to which protection in Singapore is requested, and any right of appeal against that decision expires or is exhausted;
(b)
the representations or counter-statement is withdrawn; or
(c)
the proceedings relating to the refusal are discontinued or abandoned.