Patent Applications

Applying for a patent may sound complicated at first. Indeed, cost-benefit considerations are particularly important for young and developing companies. Factors such as your personal corporate strategy and of potential competitors play a role here. We are happy to review your invention disclosure and determine whether applying for a patent could be the right strategy for you. 

If you decide to apply for a patent, we can prepare the application based on your invention disclosure. We are happy to submit European or international (PCT) applications to the relevant authorities on your behalf.

Examination Proceedings

In order to obtain a patent and achieve a broad protection, we respond to examination reports from the European Patent Office. 

Consecutive- and Divisional Applications

You have filed an application with a national patent office or the European Patent Office. But now your company is expanding beyond national or even European borders? We are happy to check, whether a European or international consecutive application is possible and advisable to support your expansion.

A single patent for your product can be useful for protecting your market position. However, just as a single tree offers less protection from the forces of nature than a forest, a single patent can also offer less protection against competitors than a large number of patents. Does the patent office or you believe that your patent application comprises more than just one invention? We would be happy to check whether we can multiply your application by dividing it.

Defense in Opposition Proceedings

Your patent has been granted, but competitors have filed an opposition?

We advise you on the validity of your European patent and, if necessary, defend your patent against the opponent(s) before the Opposition and Appeal Boards of the European Patent Office.

Attacks against competitor patent applications and patents

Do you suspect a competitor has filed European patent applications, or have you already discovered them? We would be happy to advise you on their patentability and, if necessary, file third-party observations with the European Patent Office or the WIPO.

Do your competitors already have granted European patents that bother you? We would be happy to advise you on their validity and, if necessary, conduct opposition proceedings on your behalf.

Decisions by the opposition division may be appealable. We are happy to examine whether a (promising) appeal is possible. If possible, we will conduct appeal proceedings for you or before the Boards of Appeal of the European Patent Office.