Which is the competent authority for patent applications for inventions in Austria?

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
• Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: within 3 months from the date of grant of the European patent.

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" and "unintentional/due care" accepted.

ATPO conducts formality examination only for utility model patent applications. Although ATPO searches utility model patent applications, the search results do not affect the grant results. The applicant may amend the patent application after receiving the search report.

yes. Before the patent is granted/rejected, the patent type can be changed from invention to utility model at the request of the applicant. Can only be converted once.

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" and "unintentional/due care" accepted.

The initial protection is 5 years, which can be renewed 4 times for a maximum protection of 25 years.

If within 12 months before the filing of the design patent application, due to the disclosure of the designer or its former right holder, the novelty grace period can be enjoyed.

ATPO only conducts formality examination of design patent applications.

yes. Prior to patent grant/rejection, the patent type can be converted from utility model to invention at the request of the applicant. Can only be converted once.

yes