Filing a Patent Application in Europe or Germany or a Utility Model in Germany

In this section information about foreign filings of patent applications in Europe and Germany and about regional and national phases in Europe and Germany of an international patent application is provided. A particular interesting aspect of German IP law is the possibility to branch off a German utility model from a pending international, European or German patent application.

Detailed information about entry into regional stage in Europe and national stage in Germany or filings in Europe and Germany can be provided upon request. The following links provide information about the most important requirements.

National Phase in Germany for a German Utility Model (PCT)

The time limit for entering national phase in Germany for a German utility model is 30 months. It is necessary to provide a German translation of the application within this term. A German utility model can be maintained in force for up to 10 years after the filing date of the international application.

Further information about a German utility model can be obtained from the section General Information about German Utility Models.