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
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
Filing Language: Filipino/English Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Power of Attorney
- small entity declaration
- Certified Priority Document
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
- Comparative documents/results of other countries
1-1.5 years
The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.
- Grant fee: The applicant shall pay the granted announcement fee within 2 months from the date of issuance of the granted decision notice.
- Annuity: starting from the date of patent announcement for 4 years, the payment date of the annual fee for the fifth year is the publication date of the fourth year or the international publication date, and so on. Fees can be paid within 3 months before the due date of payment. If the patentee fails to pay the annual fee on time, the non-payment notice will be published on the official announcement, and the fee can be paid within a grace period of 6 months after the expiration, but a 50% penalty must be paid at the same time.
IPOPHIL conducts formality examination and substantive examination for invention patent applications. After completing the formality examination and prior art search, the applicant needs to enter the public procedure within 18 months from the filing date/priority date, and enter the substantive examination procedure if there is no objection. The applicant shall submit a request for substantive examination within 6 months from the date of publication of the application or within 6 months from the date of entering the national phase at the latest. If the requirements are met, the patent application will be authorized.
The novelty grace period is 6 months before the filing date/priority date.
no
no