EP application deadlines

Question 1

When must the EP application be filed after the priority application?

Answer 1

12 mo. from priority

Question 2

What must be included in the EP application?

Answer 2

Request, description (or earlier reference), applicant ID, figures if referred

Question 3

How long do you have to file missing parts after notification?

Answer 3

2 mo. from notification (date not changed if in priority application)

Question 4

What must the claims + abstract be filed, if not already submitted?

Answer 4

2 mo. from invitation

Question 5

What is the deadline to file a translation if necessary?

Answer 5

2 mo. from notification

Question 6

When must the filing fee, search fee, and excess claims fees be paid?

Answer 6

1 mo. from filing

FP available

Question 7

What are the conditions for further processing?

Answer 7

Within 2 mo. from notification (+ fee)

Question 8

When can claims fees be paid?

Answer 8

Within 1 mo. of invitation

FP available

Question 9

When must priority be declared if not already done?

Answer 9

Later of 16 mo. from priority (or 4 mo. from filing)

Question 10

What is the deadline for correcting claims?

Answer 10

16 mo. from the earliest priority

Question 11

When must details of priority application and certified copy be provided? And which details are required?

Answer 11

16 mo. from priority filing (or 2 mo. from invitation)

date, state of filing and application number

Question 12

When is the Spec and SR published?

Answer 12

≈18 mo. from priority filing

Question 13

How can publication be prevented?

Answer 13

By withdrawing before preparations complete (5 weeks before)

Question 14

When must examination be requested and fees paid?

Answer 14

6 mo. after publication (≈24m)

Question 15

When must the unitary designation fee be paid?

Answer 15

6 mo. after publication (≈24m)

FP available

Question 16

When is the first renewal fee due?

Answer 16

36 mo. from priority filing (2nd anniversary of filing date)

Question 17

What is the deadline for paying the renewal fees for the 3rd year?

Answer 17

By the end of the calendar month containing the 2nd anniversary of the filing date

The fee can be paid up to 6 mo. before it is due.

Further renewal fees can be paid up to 3 mo. before they are due.

Question 18

What is the grace period for paying renewal fees?

Answer 18

6 mo. (+ fee)

Question 19

What must be paid within 4 mo. from notification of Intention to Grant?

Answer 19

Grant + printing fees + outstanding fees

designation fee and renewal fee if not paid.

Question 20

When can someone file an opposition after mention of grant?

Answer 20

+9 mo. from mention of grant

Question 21

Is there an extension available for filing opposition?

Answer 21

No extension available

Question 22

When can 3rd party observations be filed?

Answer 22

From publication until the end of proceedings (includes opposition, revocation and limitation proceedings)

Question 23

What is the deadline for filing a notice of appeal?

Answer 23

2 mo. from the decision

Question 24

What is the deadline for filing grounds of appeal?

Answer 24

4 mo. from the decision

Question 25

What is the deadline for filing a petition for review?

Answer 25

2 mo. from notification of Boards of Appeal decision

Question 26

What are the deadlines associated with central limitation?

Answer 26

Any time after grant If deficiencies - 2 mo. to correct from invitation If request allowed must pay printing fee and file translations into 2 other languages within 3 mo. of decision (2 mo. grace period with surcharge fee)