European Patent (EPO) Validation in Monaco

1. Terms for patent validation in Monaco

The period for filing the translation in 3 months after the date on which the mention of the grant or the decision to maintain the patent as amended is published in the European Patent Bulletin.

2. Conditions for patent validation in Monaco

2.1 Translation – In Monaco, no translation of the specification of the European patent needs to be supplied (status: 1 May 2008). Under Article 64(1) EPC, the European patent automatically confers on its proprietor from the date the mention of its grant is published in the European Patent Bulletin, the same rights as would be conferred by a national patent granted in that state.

• For provisional protection: a translation in French is required.
• After grant: no translation is required.

2.2 Payment of patent validation and national registration fees:

There is no special fee to be paid.

3. Effect of the European patent as a national Monaco patent

Under Article 64(1) EPC, a European patent automatically confers on its proprietor from the date on which the mention of the grant is published in the European Patent Bulletin, in each contracting state in respect of which it is granted, the same rights as would be conferred by a national patent granted in that state.

4. Patent annuities in Monaco

• Due date: last day of the month in which the date of filing occured.
• Earliest possible date for payment: payment may not be made more than 12 months before due date.
• Period of grace for payment of fees (with surcharge): 6 months from due date.