Anyone who files a patent application usually wants to know early on: When will it become a granted patent?
There is no general answer to this question. The duration of a German patent grant procedure depends not only on the processing time at the German Patent and Trade Mark Office, but also on the chosen filing strategy.
How long does it take from filing a German patent application to patent grant? read more
When the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off in the summer, the whole world will be watching the action on the pitch. But it is also worth taking a look behind the scenes: few events bring together so many industrial property rights in such a concentrated space as a World Cup tournament. Even the ball rolling across the grass is a small lesson in intellectual property.
Selected IP rights show how patents, designs and trademarks interact in modern football.
How Much Intellectual Property Is Behind the 2026 FIFA World Cup? read more
Training position starting 01 August 2026: We are looking for a Trainee IP Paralegal (m/f/d) for our Velbert office.
Training Position from 01 August 2026: Trainee IP Paralegal (m/f/d) – Velbert Office read more
On the initiative of the European Commission, the SME Fund “Ideas Powered for Business” was established. The SME Fund provides small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) based in the European Union (EU) with financial support to protect their intellectual property rights.
EU FUNDING FOR THE APPLICATION OF PATENTS, TRADEMARKS AND DESIGNS read more
To strengthen our team at our Velbert office, we are looking as soon as possible for a Patent Paralegal / Patent Attorney’s Assistant (m/f/d) preferably full-time, part-time by arrangement.
As a law firm specializing in intellectual property rights, we have been supporting companies affected by product and trademark piracy for decades. Counterfeits and imitations are no longer a marginal issue – they cause billions in losses every year, weaken innovation, and, in the worst cases, can even endanger consumers.
Do you have an idea and want to know how to protect it? We now offer a free 30-minute online initial consultation with one of our experienced patent attorneys. In a personal conversation, we will address your initial questions regarding patent, utility model, trademark, or design protection and show you possible ways to strategically safeguard your innovation – completely non-binding and conveniently online. 👉 Book your appointment now: https://calendly.com/wmw-patent-info/introductory-consultation-30-minutes
Free Online Initial Consultation with a Patent Attorney – Book Now! read more
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
We are happy to welcome a highly qualified new member to our team. Since the beginning of the year, Philip Weisse has strengthened our team of experts as a patent attorney, bringing in particular further technical expertise as well as deep knowledge in the field of intellectual property.
Entry into the firm - Philip Weisse read more
From 01 March 2023, the EPO will no longer send faxes in proceedings under the EPC and PCT. From now on, important messages will be sent via the mailbox. However, this does not currently affect the filing of applications and other documents by fax, which will continue to be possible under the conditions laid down by the President of the EPO. Source: EPO, comm. 01.02.23
EPO - Communication via FAX read more
