You can file a utility model application both in paper form and in electronic form with the DPMA. Please use application form G 6003 (Antrag auf Eintragung eines Gebrauchsmusters) for paper filing. The “Information for Utility Model Applicants” leaflet contains details about filling in the form and about the formal requirements of the annexes. You [...]
Describing the invention clearly and precisely What you should know in advance: the patent system is a very large and complex legal field. Therefore, it can be of benefit to appoint a patent attorney or lawyer for your patent application. If you are not resident in Germany, you need a patent attorney or lawyer for [...]
Due to the constant further development of science and technology, it must be continuously redefined what is available for patent protection. In general, objects and processes from all fields of technology are patentable; but the advancement of science is constantly extending the traditional definition of technology. Furthermore, it must be possible to perform the invention [...]
Protection for your technical inventions Commercially successful ideas are often copied or imitated – from everyday objects to sophisticated high-tech products. You can use patents to protect your technical inventions (innovative products or processes) against unwanted imitation. Patent proprietors gain a territorial monopoly right of use for a limited period. At the same time, patents [...]
Conduct trademark searches - not only before filing a trademark application but also after trademark registration Trade mark searches are important. They are the only way to check if your proposed trade mark does not infringe earlier rights. Even after registration you should regularly carry out searches in order to efficiently defend your trade mark. [...]
Trademark Registration in Germany The German Patent and Trade Mark Office examines your trade mark application for so-called absolute grounds for refusal. Signs or indications are excluded from registration if they merely describe the kind, quality or other characteristics of the goods or services claimed. The German Patent and Trade Mark Office does not check [...]
Patent protection abroad Patents are only valid in the country for which they have been granted (principle of territoriality). Patents granted by the DPMA have effect in the Federal Republic of Germany. You have a choice of several routes for obtaining patent protection of your invention in other countries. If you wish to obtain protection [...]
Please bear in mind that the patent system is a very complex field of law. It may be advisable to retain the services of a patent attorney for preparing and filing a patent application. If you are not residing in Germany, you are legally required to be represented by a patent attorney. Clear and complete [...]
You can register all signs as trade marks that are suitable for distinguishing goods or services of a particular enterprise from that of other enterprises. Trade marks can consist of words, letters, numbers, pictures, three-dimensional objects or sounds. Depending on the sign, the different types of trade marks are referred to as word mark, figurative [...]
Trade marks identify products and services of an enterprise. They stand for the quality of an enterprise and are part of the company’s intellectual property, just like patents. A strong trade mark is a valuable asset. Anyone can file a trade mark. Trade mark protection is available for words, letters, numbers, pictures, and even colours [...]