Managing IP Deadlines in International Procedures

Maximal Challenges, Opportunities, and the Evolving Role of IP Professionals

From the initial filing of an application to the grant of a right - and throughout its entire lifecycle – IP rights are governed by strict and often complex deadlines. Missing just one can result in the loss of protection, with serious consequences for businesses and innovators.

IP deadlines are not just national. In addition to country-specific rules, IP practitioners must navigate international frameworks established by bodies such as the World Intellectual Property Office (WIPO) - under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) system, the European Patent Office (EPO), and other regional offices. These systems introduce their own sets of procedural deadlines, priority periods, time limits for responses, and formal requirements that must be closely monitored.

Whether it’s a priority deadline under the Paris Convention, a time limit for entering the national phase in a PCT application, or a response period for an examination report at the EPO, staying on top of these deadlines is essential for ensuring uninterrupted protection across jurisdictions.

This white paper provides a selection of key international IP deadlines to support accurate and efficient deadline management, thus helping IP professionals avoid costly mistakes and streamline their global filing strategies.

Download the white paper  'Managing IP deadlines in international procedures' now. Enjoy reading!