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.
The initial protection is 5 years, which can be renewed 4 times for a maximum protection of 25 years.
A novelty grace period of 6 months prior to the filing date/priority date may be granted if the invention is disclosed as a result of apparent misuse by the applicant or its former right holders, or if the invention is exhibited at an official or officially recognized exhibition.
2 years
yes
yes
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.
yes. If multiple designs have at least one of the same category, a maximum of 50 designs can be included in one design.
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.
- Authorization Fee: None
- Annuity: After granted, it will be paid year by year from the 4th year from the date of application, and should be paid within 3 months before the date of application each year. If the annual fee is overdue, the payment can be postponed within a grace period of 6 months, but a surcharge of 20% is required. The first annual fee (i.e. the 4th year) can be paid within 6 months of the late payment period without paying the penalty. It can also be paid every three years in the 4th to 6th year, and in the 7th to 10th year.