Patent Application
Applying for a patent is an important step for protecting your invention. We at Novitas Patent offer support throughout the entire process, from an initial assessment of the invention's patentability to drafting and filing the application. Our expertise ensures structured management tailored to your needs, regardless of whether you need protection in the domestic market or want to expand your patent protection to strategically important markets abroad.
For a patent to be granted, it is required that the invention is new, involves an inventive step, and is susceptible of industrial application. An equally important condition is that the invention is described in sufficient detail for a person skilled in the art to be able to practice it. Since all of us at Novitas Patent have strong technical backgrounds in our respective fields, we can effectively draft a patent application with such requirements in mind, ensure a clear and complete description, and highlight the invention's technical features. A well-drafted application facilitates the prosecution process and can help reduce the risk of future challenges against a granted patent.
An important part of our service offering is to support you throughout the prosecution of the patent application. We monitor the process, handle communication with patent authorities, and ensure that responses and technical clarifications are filed on time. Our experience with prosecution procedures helps to reduce the risk of delays and improve the chances of a positive outcome for your application.
A national patent application in Sweden is filed with the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV) and can be a cost-effective first step. It allows for subsequent applications to be filed in other countries within 12 months, by claiming priority. For inventions with potential in the European market, an application via the European Patent Organisation (EPO) can be a suitable choice. The EPO handles patent applications for up to 38 member states through a centralized process.
To protect an invention in multiple international markets, an application under the PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty) is an effective choice. The PCT process covers over 150 countries and begins with a single application, which is followed by national phases where specific countries such as the USA, China, or Japan are selected within 30 months from the initial filing. We develop a strategy based on your business goals, identify relevant markets, and manage the application to balance costs and scope. We have an extensive global network of recognized patent attorneys who assist us in building strong patent protection for our clients.
A patent application is part of a broader intellectual property rights strategy. Several of our employees have experience with "in-house" patent work, meaning we have been involved in strategic decisions and preparing decision-making materials for company management. We work together with you to ensure that the patent not only protects the technology but also contributes to your long-term business goals. By combining patent protection with ongoing monitoring, we can detect and manage potential infringements, thereby strengthening your market position.
The time it takes for a patent application to be processed varies depending on the scope of the application and the chosen route. A national application in Sweden or a European application via the EPO takes a couple of years from filing to decision, while an international application through the PCT can take longer depending on which countries are included. Processing times are affected by the patent authorities' procedures and the complexity of the application. Opportunities for accelerated processing exist in some cases, which can shorten the process but often involve extra costs. We provide an estimate based on your specific case.
The costs for a patent application include official fees to patent authorities as well as professional fees for our advice and handling. Costs vary depending on the complexity and scope of the application, as well as which markets are covered. A national application in Sweden, a European application via the EPO, or an international PCT application involve different requirements and conditions that affect the cost structure. A well-drafted initial application usually helps keep future costs down. We provide a clear cost estimate tailored to your specific case, so that you have insight into what drives the costs allowing you to plan accordingly.