OPI conducts only formality examination of design patent applications.
20 years
OPI conducts only formality examination of design patent applications.
6 months before the filing date/priority date.
no
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.
- 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.
6-18 months
no
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."
6 months before the filing date/priority date.