Which is the competent authority for Italian invention patent applications?

yes

• via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
• EU appearance route: 6 months from the earliest priority date.
• Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.

UIBM only conducts formality examination of design patent applications, and does not examine novelty and uniqueness.

no

Reinstatement of priority is accepted on the grounds of "all due care".

yes

yes. UIBM may require the applicant to change the patent type from invention to utility model.

A novelty grace period of 6 months prior to the filing date/priority date may be enjoyed in the following cases.

• Publication at official or officially recognized international exhibitions
• Malicious disclosure by a third party

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• Ways to take effect in the EU: 3 months from the date of grant of the European patent.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.

Italian Patent and Trademark Office

English: Italian Patent and Trade Mark Office, abbreviation: UIBM

Website: www.uibm.gov.it