51. Power of Controller to give directions to co-owners
(1) Where two or more persons are registered as grantee or proprietor of a patent, the Controller may, on application by any of them, give such directions as he thinks fit as to the sale or lease of the patent or any interest therein, the grant of licences, or the exercise of any right under section 50.
(2) If a registered co-owner fails to execute any instrument or do anything required to carry out a direction under this section within fourteen days of a written request by another co-owner, the Controller may, on application, empower any person to execute that instrument or do that thing in the name and on behalf of the defaulting person.
(3) Before giving directions, the Controller shall give an opportunity to be heard to the other co-owner(s) (for an application under sub-section (1)) or the defaulting person (for sub-section (2)).
(4) No direction under this section shall affect the mutual rights or obligations of trustees or legal representatives of a deceased person, or be inconsistent with the terms of any agreement between co-owners.
