FAQ (patents)

Why should I spend the money for a patent application when I can prove the ownership on my invention with an "Enveloppe Soleau"?

Is there a requirement to translate European Patents if we would like to validate European Patents in Monaco?

How much does it costs in official fees and your fees when Monaco is selected for the national phase in a PCT-application?

Answers:

Q: Why should I spend the money for a patent application when I can prove the ownership on my invention with an "Enveloppe Soleau"?

A: The enveloppe Soleau is a perfect instrument to prove the creatorship of design, models, and copyright. However, apart from the US, all patent systems are based on a first to file principle, which means who files the patent first, gains the right to obtain the patent, even if someone can prove that he had the same idea earlier. In some patent regimes, like for a European Patent, you may transfer the rights of a patent applicant, if you can prove that you have been deprived unlawfully of your invention by the applicant. However, there are legal restrictions, that might turn this claim as belated or practically useless. Ask us for "preliminary" protection mechanisms.      

Q: Is there a requirement to translate a European Patents if we would like to validate patents in Monaco?

A: As Monaco has deposited his rectification to the London Agreement on 12 November 2003 translations of the Eurropen patent into French are not required for all European patents whose grants are published in the European Patent Bulletin on or after 1 May 2008, the day the London agreement came into force.

Q: How much does it costs in official fees and your fees when Monaco is selected for the national phase in a PCT-application?

A: Monaco cannot be selected for a national phase in a PCT-application. Whenever you select Monaco in a PCT application, you automaticly select a European Patent application as a regional phase, even if Monaco is the only country which is choosen for the regional phase at the EPO.