2 years
no
yes
20 years
no
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.
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
10 years
via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
Yes, a utility model can be converted into an invention during the formality examination period within 90 days from the filing date.
2 years