Section 2: Processing applications

After completion of the procedure provided for in Article L. 612-14, the patent shall be granted. All titles granted shall include the description, where applicable the drawings, the claims and, in the case of a patent, the search report.

When the normal functioning of communications is interrupted, a decree that will take effect from the day of the interruption may suspend the time limits with regard to the National Institute of Industrial Property for the duration of the interruption.

Any application for a patent or any patent shall give rise to the payment of annual fees which must be paid no later than the date fixed by decree in the Council of State. Where payment of an annual fee has not been made by the date specified in the preceding paragraph, the said fee may be validly paid within a six-month period of grace subject to payment of a…

The amount of the fees charged in connection with the filing, examination and granting of the patent as well as its maintenance in force may be reduced when the applicant belongs to one of the following categories: -natural person; -small or medium-sized enterprise; -not-for-profit organisation in the teaching or research sector. The benefit of the reduction is acquired on simple declaration. Any false declaration is established, at any time and…