yes
IMPI conducts formal and substantive examinations of utility model patent applications. There are three ways to submit an application to INPI: online application, mailing and submitting a written application to INPI in person. No matter which way the application is filed, the application date of the patent is the time when the patent applicant sends the complete patent application text to INPI. IMPI accepts only one independent claim in a utility model application. Applicants are required to pay the substantive examination fee within 3 months from the date of application. The time limit for responding to the Office Action Notice is 3 months from the date of issue, and can be extended 3 times (one month each time). The requirements for utility models are relatively loose, and they need to be novel and practical, but not inventive.
yes. If several designs belong to the same class in the Locarno Classification, a maximum of 20 designs may be included.
15 years, the initial protection is 5 years, and can be renewed for 2 times after the expiration, with a maximum of 15 years.
- Licensing Fee: None.
- Annuity: The annual fee is paid year by year in the first year from the application date. The annual fee before the granted should be paid after the granted, and the subsequent annual fee can be paid every three years.
Filing Language: Spanish
Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Power of Attorney
- Certified Priority Document
- small entity declaration
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
no
20 years
10 years
via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.