FAQ

Why different spellings of the applicant?

Patent office errors in the spelling of the applicant (language in different countries).

Why are EP extension states not listed as countries?

PatCheck handles these states like EPO register does: because the data are not available, they're not listed.

Why are inventors also mentioned in a list of applicants?

a) The inventor applied for the patent himself.

b) In the US, the inventor remains legally the person who applies for the patent.

Joined patents

Patents in which inventions from more than one company have contributed.

Patent term

Maximum 20 years from the filing with the patent office. For pharmaceutical and some medical products, an extension of the patent term of a maximum of 5 years can be applied for and granted.