A patent for an invention in Belarus grants exclusive rights to use a technical solution within the territory of the Republic of Belarus.
Patent protection is obtained through the National Center of Intellectual Property (NCIP).
We provide full procedural support from preparation and filing of the application to grant of the patent and subsequent maintenance in force.
The procedure includes: filing, formal examination, substantive examination and grant of the patent.
The application is filed with the NCIP and must include a request for grant of a patent, description of the invention, claims, drawings where necessary and an abstract.
Important: The description must disclose the invention in sufficient detail to enable a person skilled in the art to carry it out.
At this stage, the patent office checks completeness of the application documents and compliance with formal filing requirements.
If the formal requirements are met, a decision is issued on acceptance of the application for further examination.
A request for substantive examination must be filed within 3 years from the filing date of the application.
During substantive examination, the invention is assessed for novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability.
After a positive decision, the official grant and publication and granting fees are paid.
The invention is entered into the State Register, information about the patent is published, and the patent certificate is issued to the right holder.
From this point on, the patent holder may dispose of the exclusive patent rights, including by assignment or licensing.
The overall duration of the patent grant procedure in Belarus is typically around 3–4 years, depending on the complexity of the case and the examination process.
A patent for an invention is valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual payment of maintenance fees.
Important: Failure to pay annual maintenance fees on time may result in lapse of the patent and loss of protection.
The following information and documents are generally required for filing:
The claims are the key element of the application, as they define the scope of legal protection.
Certain official fee reductions may be available depending on the applicant and filing method.
If the applicant is an individual and is also the inventor, official fees are payable at 25% of the standard rate.
A 15% discount on the filing fee is provided for electronic filing of the application.
Important: Only one discount is applied, depending on the applicable circumstances.
The cost of patent prosecution is determined individually and depends on the complexity of the invention, the scope of the claims and the need for a patent search.
Important: Additional costs may arise during examination, including official requests, responses, amendments to application materials or clarification of claims.
Assessment of prior art, novelty risks and potential obstacles before filing.
Preparation of description, claims, abstract and filing materials.
Filing of the application and handling formal communication with the office.
Responses to office requests, amendments and prosecution strategy.
Support with grant fees, publication and receipt of the patent certificate.
Monitoring and payment of annual maintenance fees after grant.