In the official journal of the Patent Office, applications are published after the expiry of 18 months from the application filing date or the earliest priority application date, whichever is earlier.
However, following applications are not published:
a) applications imposed with secrecy directions;
b) application is abandoned due to non-filing of the complete specification within 12 months from the date of filing of the provisional application; or
c) if request to withdraw the patent application has been filed 3 months prior to 18 months publication period.
The official publication of the invention is significant for the applicant, as from the date publication the applicant shall have the like privileges as if patent is granted. However, the applicant cannot institute any proceedings for infringement until patent is granted.