The novelty grace period is 6 months before the filing date/priority date.
no
- via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
- EU route: 6 months from earliest priority date.
- Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.
3 months
no
IPObel conducts only formality examination of invention patent applications. The applicant needs to submit a search request within 13 months from the date of the latest application. The search report will be issued by the EPO with a written opinion on patentability, but it is not binding. The patent application is completed within 18 months from the earliest priority date Authorization can be obtained after publication.
Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.
1-2 years
The initial protection is 5 years, which can be renewed 4 times, each time for 5 years, and the maximum protection can be 25 years.
- Licensing Fee: None.
- Annuity: The renewal fee is paid every 5 years. If the annual fee is overdue, the payment can be postponed within 6 months after the due date at the latest, but an additional penalty of 12.00 euros is required.
Belgian Federal Government Intellectual Property Office
English: The Belgian Intellectual Property Office, Abbreviation: IPObel
Website: Intellectual property | FPS Economy (fgov.be)
Belgian invention patent search: Search in the Crossroads Bank for Enterprises (CBE) | CBE Public Search (fgov.be)