yes. A utility model can be converted into an invention at any time before granted/rejection, and the converted patent application has the same filing date as the original application, and can only be converted once and a conversion fee is required.
no
The novelty grace period is 6 months before the filing date/priority date.
no
5-6 years
- Grant fee: The applicant shall pay the granted announcement fee within 2 months from the date of issuance of the granted decision notice.
- Annuity: It will be paid year by year starting from the date of patent announcement for 4 years, and the renewal fee can be paid within 12 months before the expiration of the protection period. If you fail to pay after the due date, you can make up the payment within a grace period of 6 months, but you need to pay a penalty at the same time.
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.
yes. A utility model can be converted into an invention at any time before granted/rejection, and the converted patent application has the same filing date as the original application, and can only be converted once and a conversion fee is required.
20 years
IPOPHIL conducts formality examination and substantive examination of utility model patent applications, but only needs to meet the standards of novelty and practicality, and does not require inventive step.