20 years
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
no
The initial period of protection is 6 years, which can be renewed twice, up to a maximum of 10 years.
Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.
yes. A patent applicant can convert the patent type from a petty patent (utility model) to an invention before the patent application is granted. The converted patent application has the filing date of the original patent application.
not applicable. Designs disclosed to the public prior to filing are not eligible for application.
no
- Authorization Fee: None
- Annuity: The applicant should pay the first annual fee at the beginning of the 5th year from the application date. If it is authorized at the beginning of the 5th year, it must be paid within 60 days from the date of granted. If the annual fee is overdue, it can be paid within 120 days of the overdue period. The annual fee can be paid for multiple years at one time.
no
yes. Patent applicants can change the patent type from invention to petty patent (utility model) before the patent application is granted. The converted patent application has the filing date of the original patent application.