Can I add a utility model to my German patent application?

Yes. You can branch off a utility model from a pending patent application for Germany and keep its filing date. This is possible until 2 months after the end of the month in which the patent application or any opposition ends, and no later than 10 years after filing. The utility model is registered without examination of novelty, in about 4 months on average (2024).

Can I have a German patent and a European patent for the same invention?

Yes, in most cases. Since the Unified Patent Court opened on 1 June 2023, both can stay in force side by side. The old ban on double protection now applies only when the European patent is opted out of the Unified Patent Court. You cannot sue the same party on both for the same product.

When are German annual fees due?

From the 3rd year after filing, on the last day of the month in which the application was filed. The fee is €70 for years 3 and 4 and rises after that. You can pay without a surcharge for 2 months, then up to the end of the 6th month with a €50 surcharge. The DPMA sends no reminders.

Can I file a German patent application in English?

Yes. English and French filings are accepted. A German translation is due within 12 months of filing, and no later than 15 months after any priority date.

How long does the DPMA take?

The DPMA reports 3.2 years on average to grant (2024) when examination is requested within 4 months. A utility model registers in about 4 months on average.

What is the German PCT national phase deadline?

31 months from the priority date. The DPMA does not allow reinstatement if this deadline is missed.

DPMA national vs. EPO validation in Germany, which is better?

If Germany is the only EU country you care about, DPMA is cheaper. If you also want France, Italy, or Netherlands, EPO + Germany validation is more cost-effective.

What is a Gebrauchsmuster (utility model)?

A 'small patent' that grants in ~4 months on average with no substantive examination, providing 10-year protection for technical inventions. Cannot cover process or method claims. Often filed in parallel with patent applications for fast enforceable rights.

Why do patent owners often sue in Germany?

German courts hear infringement and validity separately (bifurcation), use specialist patent judges, and grant injunctions once infringement is found. Many patent owners choose Germany for these reasons.

Is software patentable in Germany?

Yes when claimed with a technical character, following EPO practice. Pure business methods or software 'as such' are excluded under §1 PatG.

Does Germany participate in the Unitary Patent / UPC?

Yes. Germany is a leading participant in the Unified Patent Court system (active since June 2023), with the Munich and Düsseldorf local divisions among the most popular UPC venues.

Patent filing · DPMA

Protect your invention in Germany.

At the DPMA you can wait up to 7 years to request examination. Early requests reach grant faster.

Start My Patent

Questions first? Ask our attorney.

Search and strategy first. Drafting and filing quoted in writing before any work.

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Before you start

How are you filing?

Directly at the DPMAA German patent, with an optional utility model for faster rights.Start My Patent
Through the EPOOne European patent that also covers Germany and other countries.See EPO Filing
Through the PCTOne international application first, then Germany at 31 months.See PCT Filing

What it costs

One engagement, two clear stages.

You start with a search and a filing strategy, then a flat drafting-and-filing fee, so you decide with the search in hand, never a surprise. Government fees are passed through at cost.

Step One

Strategy & Search

$550

Patentability search + a written opinion on how to file.

DPMA patentability search and clearance assessment
Strategy: DPMA national vs EPO + DE validation, Gebrauchsmuster parallel filing
German translation cost forecast and Patentanwalt coordination plan
Engagement letter & roadmap (Step Two only if you proceed)

Step Two

Drafting & Filing

From $3,500

Drafting and filing your Germany application.

Full DPMA specification, claims & abstract
DPMA-compliant drawings (up to 10 figures)
Coordinated filing through German Patent Attorney (Patentanwalt)
Optional Gebrauchsmuster branching for fast preliminary rights (~4 months on average)

German translation, DPMA official fees (~€390), and annual fees (from year 3) are pass-through at cost.

Start My Patent

Deutsches Patent- und Markenamt government fees, translations, and any complexity surcharges are quoted separately and passed through at cost.

Know the rules

How patent filing works in Germany.

Average time to grant (2024), with an early exam request: 3.2 years
Average utility model registration (2024): 4 months
Maximum years: patent or utility model: 20 or 10
Filing languages accepted, with a German translation later: EN or FR

1

File at the DPMA

In German, or in English or French with a German translation later.
2

Request examination

Any time within 7 years. The fee is €350, or €150 after a DPMA search.
3

Publication at 18 months

The DPMA publishes the application, even if no examination was requested.
4

Grant and opposition

Anyone may oppose within 9 months of the grant being published.

Key dates

12 months

German translation due (EN or FR)
15 months

Name the inventors
18 months

Application published
31 months

PCT national phase entry
3rd year

First annual fee, then yearly
7 years

Last day to request examination

Your deadlines

Your situation

Filing date of your German application

An estimate. If you claimed priority, the translation may be due sooner. We confirm your dates before any filing.

Pick a date to see your own deadlines.

What you need

Owner and inventor details
Priority application details, if any
A German translation, if you file in English or French
A German representative if you have no base in Germany

Common mistake

Missing the PCT entry

The DPMA allows no reinstatement after 31 months. Diary it early.

Common mistake

Counting on a grace period

German patents have no general grace period. Only utility models give 6 months.

Official sources (9)

The team on your file

A dedicated team, with you at every step.

We manage your application end to end. A registered patent attorney drafts and files it with the DPMA, and your account team tracks every deadline.

Your Account Manager

Your day-to-day contact. Knows your file, so every conversation starts where the last one ended.
Your Senior Account Manager

Senior oversight on strategy and anything that escalates, so nothing important slips.

Our team

Attorneys and legal specialists supporting your matter.

Managed end to end by GTC

Meet our team

In their words

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One accountable team for every service, operating since 2016.

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German patent questions

What inventors ask before filing in Germany.

Up to 7 years from filing. If no request is filed by then, the application is deemed withdrawn. The fee is €350, or €150 if you first asked the DPMA for a search (€300). Early requests reach grant faster.