Patents: Application

A patent applies to a particular country and it will enable you to prevent others from bringing your invention on the market in that country. Fees are incurred in obtaining a patent, however. To start with, you must decide where you wish your rights to apply. In addition to being a cost consideration, that is in particular a consideration with regard to future profit.

You should determine the countries in which your most important markets are located and where you think you can exploit your product to make a profit. Where do your competitors work and where can you take legal action against infringers? You should then see whether a patent right is the most suitable as a means of protection. Trademark protection or design protection may be sufficient and cheaper for you.

Choice of countries

No one applies for a patent in all countries of the world, as it is much too expensive. Do you trade in plastic window frames that only Dutch builders use, for example? If this is the case, a Dutch patent will be sufficient for you. A patent for several countries may make more sense if you have produced packaging that is suitable for many countries, but even then it is useful to define boundaries. In the case of packaging for flowers, you should search for those countries that have a market for flowers. You should take future developments into account, however: a country that does not have interesting prospects as yet may do so in the future. For example by means of licences.

Costs
Once you have answered all questions, you will want to know what patent protection costs. When applying for a patent, you may choose from various options:

• National (Netherlands)
• Regional (Europe, for example)
• International (worldwide)

Information
Do you require further information? Please consult our website or contact our public information office.