The novelty grace period is 6 months from the filing date/priority date.
- via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
- EU appearance route: 6 months from the earliest priority date.
- Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.
- Licensing Fee: None.
- Annual Fee: A renewal fee is payable every 5 years. The payment of the annual fee can be postponed within a grace period of 6 months after the due date at the latest, but a 50% late fee will be charged at the same time.
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."
20 years, and the protection of pesticide or pharmaceutical patents can be extended to 25 years.
The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.
4 months
1-2 years
yes
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: 3 months from the date of European patent grant.
The RVO conducts only formality examination of design patent applications.