The patent process - stages 1 and 2 - Patent Guide - Flipbook - Page 6

The patent process - stages 1 and 2

The patent process
There are several stages in the lifecycle of a patent, each with its
own requirements and costs. In general, the main stages are as
follows:
1
2
PREPARE & FILE PATENT SPECIFICATION
Once the application has been filed at the patent office, it gets a filing
date and application number which starts the clock.
SEARCH & EXAMINATION
The patent office will then perform a search for prior art and issue an
examination report raising any objections against the application,
and setting a deadline for submitting amendments and/or
arguments in response
If objections remain after the first response, the patent office issues
further reports. This cycle continues until all objections are resolved
or the application is abandoned, withdrawn, or refused.
3
4
GRANT
When all of the objections have been overcome, the application is
allowed for grant. Once the patent has granted, it can then be
enforced against infringers.
RENEWAL
After grant (and in some cases, also during pendency) renewal fees
must be paid in most jurisdictions to keep the patent in force. After
20 years from the filing date (assuming renewal fees were paid), the
patent will finally expire.

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