DPMA

PCT application: Entry into the German national phase – deadline, requirements and official fees

An international patent application under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) gives applicants the advantage of initially covering more than 150 contracting states with a single filing. However, this does not yet create patent protection in Germany. By the end of the international phase at the latest, the application must be moved into the national phase before the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) or into the European regional phase before the European Patent Office (EPO). Applicants opting for the direct route via the DPMA should pay particular attention to the 31-month deadline as well as the required formalities and official fees.

PCT application: Entry into the German national phase – deadline, requirements and official fees read more

German Utility Model: What official fees are charged by the DPMA?

The German utility model is particularly attractive for many technical IP protection strategies primarily because it can be registered relatively quickly. Unlike a patent, the DPMA does not comprehensively examine before registration whether the invention is actually new and inventive. Precisely for that reason, the utility model is not a “small patent,” but an independent intellectual property right with its own fee structure.

German Utility Model: What official fees are charged by the DPMA? read more

Russia - No IP Applications

DPMA - Russia

As part of the 14th sanctions package in response to Russia's actions destabilizing the situation in Ukraine, the DPMA (German Patent and Trademark Office) is no longer accepting new applications from Russian nationals, individuals residing in Russia, or legal entities, organizations, or institutions established in Russia.

Russia - No IP Applications read more

WARNING of payment requests

Our clients frequently receive payment requests from purported offices or service providers regarding their intellectual property rights. These letters are often designed to look like official government correspondence, giving the impression that an immediate response is required. Symbols such as a "Federal Eagle," a European "Blue with Stars" sign, or similar emblems are often used in these letters to falsely convey the legitimacy of an official authority.

WARNING of payment requests read more

AMENDMENT TO THE PROHIBITION ON DOUBLE PROTECTION

Until 31 May 2023, German law prohibited double protection (referred to as “prohibition on double protection”) for national patents and European patents. Accordingly, it was not possible to obtain protection under a national patent for an invention in respect of which a European patent with the same priority and the same scope had been granted to the same inventor with effect in the Federal Republic of Germany. The national patent became ineffective if the inventor had been granted a European patent for the same invention that could not be revoked in opposition proceedings any more.

AMENDMENT TO THE PROHIBITION ON DOUBLE PROTECTION read more

Scroll to Top