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How does a patent procedure work?
A patent procedure runs in seven steps: from the preliminary search and the filing, through the novelty search and publication after about eighteen months, to grant after two to five years and annual maintenance thereafter. The whole route usually spans several years, with its own deadlines and decision points at every step. Below we explain each step clearly.
The road to protection
Every invention follows the same route to a granted patent. At each step we watch the deadlines and the decision points, so that you never miss a deadline and make the right choice at the right moment.
From your invention to a granted patent
- Step 01
Preliminary search
Assessing novelty and patentability before you file. We search worldwide patent databases to see whether your idea already exists, so that you do not invest in an application with no chance of success.
- Step 02
Filing
We draft your application and file it: European (EPO) or international (WIPO), in English. The day of filing becomes your priority date: from that moment on, what you claim first is fixed.
Day 0 - Step 03
Novelty search
The office draws up a search report with a preliminary opinion; we study it. It compares your invention with everything already published and gives a first assessment of patentability.
± 6 months - Step 04
Publication
The application becomes public; from then on a conditional protection applies. Anyone can now consult your application, and you can already take cautious action against anyone copying it.
± 18 months - Step 05
Examination & office actions
We respond to the examiner's objections, with opposition, appeal and third-party proceedings where necessary. This back and forth over the text helps determine how strong and how broad your final patent will be.
1–3 years - Step 06
Grant
Once agreement is reached your patent is granted and your invention is officially protected. An opposition period of 9 months then runs, during which third parties can still challenge the grant.
± 2–5 years - Step 07
Validation & maintenance
Validation in the chosen countries; we watch the deadlines and pay the annual renewal fees. That keeps your right in force, for up to twenty years from the filing date.
Annually
Timing and steps vary by route (EPO · WIPO).
Frequently asked questions about the procedure
How long does a patent procedure take?
Usually several years. Up to grant you should count on two to five years, followed by an opposition period of 9 months and annual maintenance thereafter. The exact duration depends on the office and on the complexity of your case.
From when am I protected?
A conditional protection already applies on publication, after about 18 months. You only obtain full, enforceable protection once the patent is granted.
Why does the timing differ per route?
Every office has its own procedure and pace. A European case at the EPO proceeds differently from an international application via WIPO. Together with you we choose the route that suits your plans.
Timing and steps vary by route (EPO, WIPO). The timeline above outlines the typical course; your specific case may run faster or slower. We watch every deadline for you.
Ready for the first step?
Discover how we draft your European or international application and guide it through to grant. An introductory call is confidential and without obligation.