Abril Abogados is a firm specialized in patent registration, among other areas of practice.
In this field, our work involves not only drafting the patent specification of the invention and preparing the corresponding drawings or figures, but also maintaining close collaboration between the case coordinator and the inventor whenever necessary. For both companies and individuals, we can carry out a prior assessment to determine the likelihood of success of the patent application, as well as manage the entire process.
Registration
Once the specification and the content of the invention have been approved, we file the patent application on behalf of our client before the relevant authority, acting as representatives or agents.
The filing date of the patent is crucial, as it will be considered the priority date. This date serves as the reference point for assessing novelty and inventive step, as well as for calculating deadlines for international extension or the payment of maintenance annuities.
Where to Register a Patent?
In the case of national patents, procedures can be carried out before the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office (OEPM), which is an authority under the Ministry of Industry, Trade and Tourism.
European patents are processed by the European Patent Office (EPO), providing a less complex and faster process than filing multiple national patents. Applications may be filed before the OEPM but are examined by the EPO.
There is also the option to apply for and register an international patent under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). The OEPM acts as the receiving office for international PCT applications where the applicant is Spanish or resident in Spain.
Choosing one route or another will depend on the type of invention, business plan, available funding, and the markets of interest, among other factors.
How Much Does It Cost to Register a Patent?
The application may be filed either in person or through the electronic platforms of the relevant authorities. However, the process is not as straightforward as it may seem, especially if one aims to assess in advance the likelihood of the application being granted. In addition, official fees must be paid.
What Types of Patents Do We Register?
A patent application must also anticipate its chances of success, which depend on factors such as the selection of the appropriate type of protection. At Abril Abogados, we assist with prior advisory services, as well as handling the technical study and filing of the application.
Depending on the strategy defined together with the client, and on whether the patent has an international or local scope, we can act directly before the OEPM, the EPO (as European patent attorneys), or the WIPO (World Intellectual Property Organization) through the PCT procedure. We can also assist in any other country of interest thanks to our international network of collaborators.
Other Related Services
Abril Abogados not only has professionals specialized in patents and utility models. Patent registration is often accompanied by the need to protect industrial designs, create trademarks or trade names. We also have lawyers specialized in trademarks, trade names, and industrial designs, allowing us to provide a comprehensive service throughout all stages of your project.
