Patent Application Encyclopedia

via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.

2-5 years

none

2-3 years

ICPR conducts formality examination and substantive examination of utility model patent applications. A utility model must be novel, inventive and practical.

yes. The type of patent can be changed from invention to utility model within 30 days of receiving the grant/rejection decision, and the corresponding fee should be paid.

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.

no

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 31 months from earliest priority date.

IPONZ conducts formality examination and substantive examination of invention patent applications. The applicant/anyone can submit a request for substantive examination no later than 5 years from the date of application. If there is a request for review, the substantive review cannot be carried out until the 5-year period expires.

• 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.

via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.

no

1 year

no

no

A 12-month novelty grace period is available if the invention is disclosed by the applicant or its agent in any form of communication within one year of the filing date or priority date, or exhibited at a national/international exhibition. Appropriate evidence must be submitted at the time of application.