A patent is a set of exclusive rights to manufacture a particular product, granted by an independent state to an inventor. A patent implies the right to prohibit others from using, producing or distributing your invention.
The number of patent applications is increasing continuously and the market is becoming increasingly global. Therefore, it is important to protect your invention against intrusion.
Because an invention is unique, the patent may not infringe on any existing patents to be approved upon application.
Applications for patents can be costly and take considerable time.
In most cases, a patent is valid for 20 years. As soon as that period expires, the exclusive right of your patent will expire. This means that after 20 years, anyone can use your invention without permission.
A patent must be maintained to remain valid. This means that a renewal fee (maintenance) must be paid annually, starting from the third year after the application. Failure to renew your patent will result in loss of your legal rights to your patent.
A patent must be maintained annually from the third year after the application date to remain active. The following text clarifies the procedure.
About 3 months before the due date for renewal / maintenance of your patent, you will receive a form from us that clarifies the expiration date for your patent. If you wish to use our renewal / maintenance service and maintain your patent, please follow the steps provided on the form, sign and return it to us. There are several payment options that you can choose from. You could either send us a check together with the signed order, in the provided enclosed envelope. This payment includes our fees and all necessary processing fees to make the renewal on your behalf. The second option is an e-invoice. If you choose the latter option, you will receive an electronic invoice that can be paid by credit card, once we have received a signed form. By selecting this option, you also get the opportunity to submit your credit card details to deduct the charges for the following years when it is time for the fee. Once we have received the payment, the renewal process begins.
We will immediately arrange all necessary documentation, pay the necessary current fees and submit the renewal / maintenance documents. Once the renewal is completed, we will send you proof that your patent has been renewed. You will also receive an username and password, enabling you to monitor when the next fee is due. We will automatically send you an invoice for the following annual payments for maintenance.
*In some rare cases additional information or signatures may be required. In that case, our staff will contact you either by phone or by e-mail and request the required documentation. Be aware that it is your responsibility to provide us with all documents and / or signatures required. In case of failure to deliver all required documentation, cancellation of the agreement without refunding previous fees may apply.
