yes. A maximum of 50 designs may be included under the same Locarno category.
IPObel conducts only formality examination of invention patent applications. The applicant needs to submit a search request within 13 months from the date of the latest application. The search report will be issued by the EPO with a written opinion on patentability, but it is not binding. The patent application is completed within 18 months from the earliest priority date Authorization can be obtained after publication.
yes. A maximum of 50 designs may be included under the same Locarno category.
Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.
- Licensing Fee: None.
- Annuity: After the patent is granted, the annual fee shall be paid year by year from the third year of the application date, and the annual fee shall be paid before the last day of the month in which the application date is located. If the annual fee is overdue, it can be postponed and paid within 6 months after the due date at the latest, but additional penaltys are required. The penalty for the 3rd to 10th year is 85.00 euros, and the penalty for the 11th to 20th year is 230.00 euros.
The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: 3 months from the date of European patent grant.
BOIP only conducts a formality examination of the design application, including whether the design violates public order and good customs. Once the formality examination is completed, the patent application will be authorized and published.
3 months
20 years, and the protection of pesticide or pharmaceutical patents can be extended to 25 years.
- Licensing Fee: None.
- Annuity: The renewal fee is paid every 5 years. If the annual fee is overdue, the payment can be postponed within 6 months after the due date at the latest, but an additional penalty of 12.00 euros is required.