Updating of Service Charters
During the month of October, the Spanish Patent and Trademark Office updated the Service Charters for Search and International Preliminary Examination Administration (PCT) and for Utility Models.
The Spanish Official State Bulletin (BOE) no. 254 dated Monday 20 October published the resolution of the Under-Secretariat of the Ministry of Industry, Energy and Tourism approving these Service Charters.
The Spanish Patent and Trademark Office informs citizens of the new quality commitments for the period 2014-2017.
Service Charter for Utility Models
The Service Charter for Utility Models contains the following commitments regarding the maximum periods for granting and publication under different circumstances and for all cases:
- Publication of applications presenting no defects during processing: 4 months
- Direct granting of Utility Models presenting no defects prior to publication and without opposition from third parties: 8 months
- Granting or rejection of Utility Models presenting defects prior to publication or opposition to granting from third parties: 14 months
Service Charter for Search and International Preliminary Examination Administration (PCT)
The Service Charter for Search and International Preliminary Examination Administration (PCT) contains the following commitments regarding maximum completion times and publications:
- International Search Report and Written Opinion: 3 months after receipt of the international application (PCT), or 9 months after the priority date (whichever period ends latest).
- International Preliminary Exam: 6 months after the exam request, or 27 months after the priority date (whichever period ends latest).
- Publications: All reports and exams shall be accompanied by electronic access to the documents cited and by additional information on any possible formalities still required. In the case of examination, the applicant will be informed how to access the documents not mentioned previously in the report.
