The RVO conducts only formality examination of design patent applications.
The RVO does not conduct substantive examination of invention patent applications. The applicant must submit a novelty search request at the same time as the application, or within 13 months from the date of application, and will receive a search report containing written opinions on novelty within 9 months from the date of the search request. , at which point the applicant has 2 months to make amendments or file a divisional case. The search results do not affect the granting of the patent.
20 years, and the protection of pesticide or pharmaceutical patents can be extended to 25 years.
- 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.
Filing Language: Dutch/French/English Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Power of Attorney
- Certified Priority Document
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
- 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.
- Licensing Fee: None.
- Annual Fee: A renewal fee is payable every 5 years. The payment of the annual fee can be postponed within a grace period of 6 months after the due date at the latest, but a 50% late fee will be charged at the same time.
4 months
The novelty grace period is 12 months before the filing date/priority date.
The RVO conducts only formality examination of design patent applications.
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."