Filing Requirements:

1. Power of attorney, simply signed.

2. 3 copies of the specifications and claims in English.

3. 3 sets of formal drawings.

4. Deed of assignment from the inventor(s).

5. Copy of priority document, if priority is claimed certified.

* Items 2 and 3 must be submitted at the time of filing.

* Documents 1 and 4 may be submitted as soon as possible after filing date.

* Document 5 may be filed within 3 months from filing date.

Opposition:

Oppositions may be filed within 6 months from publication date of the search report.

Search:

It is possible for granted and published inventions in the Official Gazette to be searched by subject matter, patentee name, title, and international classification.

Examination:

As to form, novelty, inventiveness and industrial applicability.

Annuities:

A maintenance fee is due annually on the anniversary of the filing date and is payable before the granting of the patent. There is a 6-month grace period for late payment with a surcharge.

Protection Term:

The term of protection is 20 years for patents granted with substantive examination.

Compulsory License:

A patent has to be worked. If the patent is not being fully exploited by the patentee within 3 years following the publication date of the patent, then the patent will be subject to compulsory licensing under the provisions of the law.

Novelty Requirements:

Absolute novelty is required. However, disclosure of an invention without the knowledge or the consent of the inventor shall not be taken into consideration if it occurred within the 12-months preceding the filing date of the patent application.

Special Protection Rights:

Patents of Addition.