National Phase Application
A national phase application is a stage in the process of obtaining a patent in a foreign country.
- A national phase application is a stage in the process of obtaining a patent in a foreign country.
- When a patent application is filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), it is initially filed with an international application receiving office (ARO).
- The international application is then subjected to a formalities examination by an International Searching Authority (ISA), which provides an international search report (ISR) and a written opinion on patentability.
- After that, the applicant has the option to enter the national phase in various countries by filing a national application within a certain period, usually 30 or 31 months from the priority date.
- During the national phase, the applicant must comply with the requirements of each national or regional patent office, including paying the required fees and filing translations of the application and other documents as necessary.
- The examination and grant of the patent are then handled by the national or regional patent office, based on their own laws and regulations.
- The national phase application process can be complex and time-consuming, and it may involve different requirements and procedures in each country.
- It is often advisable to seek the assistance of a patent attorney or agent who is familiar with the relevant laws and practices in the countries where protection is sought.
Different types of National Phase Entry
There are different types of national phase applications that can be filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), depending on the specific needs and strategies of the applicant. Here are some of the most common types:
Direct national phase application
This is the most common type of national phase application, where the applicant files a national application in a specific country or region within the prescribed time limit (usually 30 or 31 months from the priority date) based on the international application filed under the PCT.
Regional phase application
Some countries have regional patent offices, such as the European Patent Office (EPO) or the African Regional Intellectual Property Organization (ARIPO). In this case, the applicant may choose to enter the regional phase instead of filing separate national applications in each country covered by the regional office.
Divisional application
If the international application covers multiple inventions, the applicant may file a divisional application during the national phase to pursue a separate patent application for each invention. This can be useful if some of the claims in the original application are rejected or if the applicant wishes to pursue different strategies for each invention.
Continuation application
This type of application allows the applicant to pursue additional claims or subject matter that were not included in the original application. It can be useful if the applicant discovers new aspects of the invention or wishes to cover additional embodiments.
Conversion application
If the applicant decides not to pursue the international application or to abandon it for some reason, they may file a conversion application during the national phase to convert the international application into a national application in a specific country or region.
It is important to note that the specific types of national phase applications and their requirements may vary depending on the country or region where they are filed. It is advisable to seek the guidance of a patent attorney or agent who is familiar with the relevant laws and practices in each jurisdiction.
Note: One important point to keep in mind regarding national phase applications is that they require careful attention to deadlines and procedural requirements. Missing a deadline or failing to comply with a procedural requirement can result in the loss of patent rights in a particular country or region.
CAN I FILE A NATIONAL PHASE APPLICATION MYSELF?
- Yes, you can file a national phase application on your own.
- However, it is important to keep in mind that the process can be complex and there are various procedures and legal requirements that must meet to successfully obtain a patent in a foreign country.
- Filing a national phase application involves navigating the specific requirements and procedures of each country or region where protection is required.
- This can include requirements related to translations, fees, and other documents, as well as compliance with local patent laws and regulations.
- For these reasons, many applicants choose to work with a qualified patent attorney or agent who has experience with national phase applications in the relevant jurisdictions.
- A patent attorney or agent can help to ensure that all requirements are met and that the application is filed correctly and on time.
- If you do decide to file a national phase application on your own, it is important to carefully review the requirements of each country or region where you are seeking protection.
- This may require significant research and familiarity with local laws and regulations.
Overall, while it is possible to file a national phase application on your own, it is important to carefully consider the potential risks and benefits of doing so and to ensure that you are fully informed about the relevant laws and procedures in each jurisdiction.
RISKS OF FILING NATIONAL PHASE APPLICATION
Missing deadlines
Each country or region has its own specific deadlines and requirements for filing a national phase application. If you are not familiar with these requirements, you may inadvertently miss a deadline or fail to provide necessary documents, which can result in the loss of patent rights in that jurisdiction.
Failing to meet legal requirements
The process of obtaining a patent in a foreign country requires compliance with local laws and regulations, which can be complex and nuanced. If you are not familiar with these requirements, you may inadvertently fail to meet legal requirements, which can result in the rejection or invalidation of your patent application.
Language barriers
Some countries require that patent applications be filed in the local language or translated into the local language. If you are not fluent in the language of the country where you are seeking protection, you may face challenges in accurately translating your application, which can impact the clarity and effectiveness of your patent application.
Lack of familiarity with local patent systems
Patent systems can vary significantly from country to country, and it can be challenging to navigate these systems if you are not familiar with them. This can result in delays, rejections, or other challenges in obtaining a patent in a foreign country.
PROTECT YOUR IDEAS
WITH
AFFORDABLE & PROFESSIONAL NATIONAL PHASE APPLICATION
Are you an inventor or entrepreneur with a unique idea? Do you want to protect your intellectual property and ensure that your idea is original?
- The international patent applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the national phase refers to the stage where the application enters the examination process of the national or regional patent offices of the countries where the applicant seeks patent protection.
- During the national phase, the applicant must comply with the specific requirements and formalities of each country or region, including submitting translations of the application and paying various fees.
- The patent office will then examine the application to determine whether the invention meets the criteria for patentability in their jurisdiction.
- The national phase typically lasts up to 30 months from the filing date of the PCT application, but this time frame may vary depending on the specific country or region.
- Once the patent is granted, the applicant will have exclusive rights to prevent others from making, using, or selling the invention in that jurisdiction for a specified period of time.
Benefits of choosing us as your Patent Attorney
- Improve the chances of patent success by working around existing inventions
- You can gain confidence in the patentability of your invention
- Defend your patent
- We will analyze patent results whether your invention is patentable
- We have 18 years experience in filing a patent applications and can save you time
From Our Blog
Patents Services Demonstrate The Focus Of Organisations On Innovation
The state of the art is everything that has been made public either verbally or in writing prior to the application being filed. The aim of the novelty search is to ascertain this state of the art.
What information should I gather before conducting a patent search?
Before searching, it's helpful to have a clear understanding of your invention, including:
- The technical details and functionality
- The problem it solves
- Unique features or advantages
What procedure does Novel Patent Services follow for the patent search?
- Studying the patent application
- Classify the patent application
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- Substantive examination of the application
- Writing and issuing the Search Report
What type of databases do we use for patent services?
As a firm that aims to support the client in strategizing their R&D activities we provide solutions that are knowledge centric. We understand the risks and opportunities that are thrown open by change. In this continuous process of mitigation Novel Patent Services has access to many prominent patent and non-patent databases such as Micro patent, Delphion, Aureka, Thompson Innovation, STN, Pubmed, IEEE, REGISTRY, CAPlus, DGene, Springer Link, Elsevier, High Wire Press, etc.
How does Novel Patent Services benefit law firms?
“Law Firms generally look for search services and illustration services. Novel patent services has an expert team for performing different search services based on client’s needs. We have a separate well experienced team for illustrations. Novel Patent Services gives law firms an IP practice management solution for today and the future, with an immediate benefit in higher productivity, lower risk and improved client satisfaction, plus new capabilities to differentiate and grow the practice over time.”
