The initial protection is 5 years, which can be renewed 4 times for a maximum protection of 25 years.
1 month
A novelty grace period of 6 months prior to the filing date/priority date may be granted if the invention is disclosed as a result of apparent misuse by the applicant or its former right holders, or if the invention is exhibited at an official or officially recognized exhibition.
- 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.
yes
10 years
2 years
no
- Authorization Fee: None
- Annuity: After the granted, it will be paid year by year from the 6th year from the date of application, and should be paid within 3 months before the date of application each year. If the annual fee is overdue, the payment can be postponed within a grace period of 6 months, but a surcharge of 20% is required. There is no late fee for the first three months of the late payment period for the first annual fee (i.e. the sixth year).
ATPO conducts formality examination only for utility model patent applications. Although ATPO searches utility model patent applications, the search results do not affect the grant results. The applicant may amend the patent application after receiving the search report.
via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: within 3 months from the date of grant of the European patent.