Frequently Asked Questions about Patents

Patents

• Why do I apply for a patent?

  When you have developed an invention, product or process, it is logical that you want to protect it. Applying for a patent gives the applicant exclusive rights to exploit the invention. This form of protection is known as a patent under Dutch law and is also called Intellectual Property.

• When can I apply for a patent?

  If you have made an invention that has a technical character and meets the following substantive conditions: innovative, inventive and industrially applicable. You can test this by having a so-called exploratory novelty study carried out.

• How do I apply for a patent?

  By having your invention described by a specialized patent attorney. The description and any drawings are then submitted to the Dutch or European patent council, after which the grant procedure is started.

• How long will it take for me to get approval?

  This depends on a number of factors, including the countries where you will be filing. After the initial submission, you will receive a response to the official novelty search within one year, which gives an indication of whether your submission will ultimately be approved. It may then take anywhere from a year to several years to receive approval from all submitted countries.

• How much does it cost to apply for a patent?

  This depends on a number of factors, including the amount of text and conclusions described, but also the number of countries where you want to submit. For a first submission (NL/EU) you should take into account approximately €6,000 to €12,000. Learn more here Patent Application Costs.