Notice of Allowance and Patent Granting في المانيا

Notice of Allowance and Patent Granting in Germany: Final Steps Toward Protection

After successfully navigating the examination process, applicants reach a decisive stage—receiving the notice of allowance. This formal communication from the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA) indicates that the application meets all legal and technical criteria, paving the way for issuance of protection rights. Understanding the procedural and strategic aspects of this final phase is essential for applicants aiming to secure effective legal coverage within the legal framework.

The notification of acceptance is more than just a formality. It confirms the examination phase is complete and that the invention will be registered, provided the applicant fulfills a few final formalities. This article explores how intellectual property protection unfolds in Germany, from receiving the decision to publication and enforcement of exclusive rights.

What the Notice of Allowance Means

In Germany, the official communication of approval (Mitteilung über die bevorstehende Erteilung) is issued once the application has passed both formal and substantive examination. It includes confirmation that the invention is considered new, involves an inventive step, and is industrially applicable. The applicant is informed that the grant of the protection right will follow upon payment of the required fees and submission of necessary documentation.

Key features of the document include:

• Reference to the allowed claims
• Deadline for paying the grant fee
• Instructions for final steps prior to registration
• Indication of the date for anticipated publication

This document is a critical signal to prepare for national rights enforcement and potential commercialization.

Steps Following the Notice of Allowance

After the decision is issued, the procedure requires specific actions to complete the granting process. Missing a deadline or providing incorrect information at this stage can delay or jeopardize the outcome.

Actions Required:

1. Receipt of the approval document from the DPMA

2. Payment of the grant fee within the specified time (typically one month)

3. Filing of the finalized set of claims and description, if required

4. Review and correction of bibliographic data before publication

5. Await the issuance of the official protection certificate

These steps must be followed with precision, as delays can lead to lapses in rights or extra administrative burdens.

Legal Effects of Patent Granting in Germany

Once the granting process is completed, the innovation is entered into the Patent Register and published in the Patentblatt. From that moment:

• Exclusive rights are enforceable from the publication date
• Third parties are officially notified of the confirmed claims
• The 20-year protection period begins from the filing date
• Annual renewal fees must be paid to maintain exclusivity

It is also at this stage that competitors, licensees, or partners may reassess their strategies, especially if the invention relates to a competitive technological field.

Strategic Considerations Post-Grant

The notice of allowance offers more than legal confirmation—it provides a window of opportunity to plan for monetization, enforcement, or regional expansion. Here are some key strategies to consider after issuance:

• Initiate licensing negotiations with potential partners
• Evaluate the need for validation in other jurisdictions via the European Patent Convention
• Monitor competitors for possible infringement
• Update internal IP portfolio databases
• Consult with tax advisors on IP valuation or amortization

Conclusion

The notice of allowance in Germany marks the successful end of the application journey and the beginning of a new phase—active rights management. Complying with the formal steps required for issuance, and understanding the consequences of legal registration, helps innovators and companies maximize the value of their inventions. Within the German system, clear procedures and deadlines ensure that every granted right is solidly built on a foundation of compliance, clarity, and strategy.