Nine times out of ten, we recommend that you start with a Dutch patent if you are thinking of applying for one. After completing this procedure you can decide whether or not to register the Intellectual Property Rights on your innovation in a different country. You can do so via a European Patent, a PCT application and, in the future, also via the Unitary Patent.
Why are we such big fans of Dutch Patents?
Advantages of a Dutch Patent
- Your patent will always be granted. That is because the Netherlands works with a registration system (see my earlier BL&G on this). The mere fact that you have a patent can put your competitors off.
- You can obtain a Dutch patent quickly (within 18 months). This will give you a priority date which you can use to protect your idea outside the Netherlands, for example, via the NL PCT route.
- The relatively low costs of applying for a Dutch patent make it interesting. For less than € 1,000 (which excludes the costs of having the patent application drafted by a patent attorney) you will have a valuable novelty report that provides information about the strength of your patent.
- You can also file the Dutch patent application in English. This will save you translation costs, if you also decide to file the application internationally.
- Last but not least: with a Dutch patent you will have access to the Innovation Box. This will allow you to benefit from a tax break and enable you to earn back (some) of the costs incurred.
If you would like to find out more about applying for a Dutch Patent get in touch with me for some free initial advice.
