Patents grant the inventors the exclusive right to make commercial and professional use of the innovation. As a result, they develop into important assets for the business and ensure the strong legal defense of the innovation in the event of any third-party infringements. Selling or granting licenses to utilize the patented invention also enables the inventors to boost their earnings. Patents unquestionably boost a company’s reputation and innovativeness.
Poland is a large nation in Central-Eastern Europe with a population of about 39 million. The sixth-largest European economy is Poland, one of the continent’s most dynamic economies. Poland joined WIPO in 1975, and in 2004 it joined the European Union. As Poland accepts PCT and European Union patent applications, the applicant is always free to select the most practical approach. Translating the documentation into Polish is necessary when submitting a patent application in Poland.
Filing requirements
For the obtainment of the date of filing, a Polish patent application should contain the following:
- Power of attorney signed.
- Certified copy of the extract from the commercial register with Polish translation if the applicant is a company.
- Specifications, including claims, drawings, and abstracts in the Polish language.
- Certified copy of the priority document with Polish translation if claimed.
- Three copies of the description with Polish translation.
The application contains the designation of the applicant(s), a definition of the subject of the application, a request for granting the patent, a designation of the inventor(s), and an indication of the basis of the patent right if the applicant is not the inventor.
Novelty grace period
In Poland, the novelty grace period is six months before the filing date, provided that the disclosure was unfavorable and came from a third party. Before now, Polish IP law did not include a novelty grace period for patent applications.
Validity term
After the filing date, the invention patent is valid for 20 years. Within three months of the Notice of Allowance’s issuing, the formal grant and publication costs, as well as the first years’ worth of yearly maintenance fees, must be paid.
Also, contact for trademark registration in Poland.