- 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.
 
3 months
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.
BOIP only conducts a formality examination of the design application, including whether the design violates public order and good customs. Once the formality examination is completed, the patent application will be authorized and published.
Filing Language: Dutch/French/German Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
 - A Brief Description
 
Attachments (if any):
- Certified Priority Document
 - Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
 - Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
 
no
no
Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" accepted.
yes. A maximum of 50 designs may be included under the same Locarno category.
The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.
- 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.