Patent Application
"An invention must first be subjected to an innovation research regardless of the patent system. Innovation research should be done by an expert, especially by professional official representatives. An invention for which an innovation research is conducted may differ according to the strategy of protection purpose at the application stage. "
Where can a patent application be made?
Patent application can be made in 3 ways according to the protection system;
• National Patent Application (Turkish Patent Institute in Turkey-TPI)
• European Patent Office (EPO)
• Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
National Patent Application
It is valid only in the country where the application is made.
Priority right is granted for international patent application within 12 months from the date of application.
European Patent Office (EPO)
Registration by the European Patent Office is equivalent to a national patent application.
The applicant chooses the countries for which it seeks protection.
The cost depends on the country of application.
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
It is an initial stage for applying in countries that are party to WIPO.
It includes multiple national entry and review stages, after the international application phase.
A PCT application can be filed through the European Patent Office (EPO), WIPO World Intellectual Property Office and the National office.
Required Documents for Patent/Utility Model Application
• Letter of Application
• Description of the invention
• Requests of the invention (technical features requiring protection)
• Technical drawings of the invention
• Summary of the invention
Who Can Apply for a Patent?
• Patent/Utility Model applications can be made by individuals or legal entities.
• Patent / Utility Model application can be made by individuals or legal entities as a joint application.
• In the application, the inventor or owners shall be specified.
Using a Patent Attorney in a Patent Application
Patent applications cover a period of 1 to 4 years depending on the nature of the application. Before the application, the Patent Inquiry requires a serious knowledge, experience and the infrastructure of the innovation research, the application and the follow-up. Here, it is important that it is done by the attorneys registered in the professional attorneyship registry in order not to suffer serious loss of rights.
Patent Application Stages
• Examination of the application and formal examination
• Research report
• Research report publication
• Patent examination report
• Granting a patent
• Patent validity