|
Alternatively, if you want to keep your options open in relation to
a large number of countries outside Europe, we would recommend
filing an International Patent application at the twelve month stage
covering practically all of the industrialized countries of the
world. Again, an International Searcher would conduct a search of
patent literature in the area of technology relating to your
invention and the application would be published at eighteen months
from the earliest filing date unless withdrawn. Depending on the
results of the international search, you have the option of
requesting examination of your application by an International
Patent Examiner within a time limit of 22 months from the priority
date. The Examiner provides an International Preliminary Report on
Patentability of your invention within 28 months of the earliest
filing date if requested. The International Patent application has
the effect of delaying the necessity to file national patent
applications including translations thereof from the filing date in
addition to delaying the attendant costs associated with this work
for each country until thirty-months from the earliest filing date.
The benefits of this system are that you are able to keep your
options open in over one hundred and thirty countries world-wide by
filing a single patent application in one language giving you
thirty-months to try and commercialise your product at minimum legal
expense.
|
|
