Features of Austrian design patent application process

2 years

Reinstatement of priority on grounds of "due care" and "unintentional/due care" accepted.

The initial protection is 5 years, which can be renewed 4 times for a maximum protection of 25 years.

yes. If multiple designs have at least one of the same category, a maximum of 50 designs can be included in one design.

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.

If within 12 months before the filing of the design patent application, due to the disclosure of the designer or its former right holder, the novelty grace period can be enjoyed.

Austrian Patent Office

English: Austrian Patent Office, abbreviation: ATPO

Website: Home | Das Österreichische Patentamt

Austrian Utility Model Patent Search: National Patents Search (patentamt.at)

yes. Before the patent is granted/rejected, the patent type can be changed from invention to utility model at the request of the applicant. Can only be converted once.

yes