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.
- Authorization Fee: None
- Annuity: Pay yearly from the first year from the application date, and the first annual fee should be paid after granted, and the subsequent annual fee can be paid once every 3 years.
yes
no
yes
4-6 months
A 12-month novelty grace period is available if the invention is disclosed by the applicant or its agent in any form of communication within one year of the filing date or priority date, or exhibited at a national/international exhibition. Appropriate evidence must be submitted at the time of application.
no
Yes, a utility model can be converted into an invention during the formality examination period within 90 days from the filing date.
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.