A petty patent is a second type of patent protection under Thailand's Patent Act B.E. 2522, covering inventions the same way an invention patent does, but without the inventive-step requirement at all - it only needs novelty and industrial applicability. It suits incremental improvements to existing products. The Department of Intellectual Property only conducts a preliminary examination (not the substantive examination required for an invention patent), so registration is faster - well suited to businesses that need protection before launching a product.
What Is a Petty Patent? Everything You Need to Know
- Protected for 6 years from the filing date, renewable twice for 2 years each - up to 10 years total
- Only a preliminary examination is required, not the substantive examination used for invention patents, so registration is faster
- Best suited to minor improvements on existing inventions, or products with a short life cycle needing quick protection
- Converting between an invention patent application and a petty patent application is possible under certain conditions - consult a patent agent before deciding
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Petty Patent Articles
Petty Patent
Petty Patent Renewal in Thailand: Process and Deadlines
When must a renewal be filed, how many days before expiration, what fees apply, and what happens if you miss the deadline?
Petty Patent
How to File a Petty Patent in Thailand: Process, Documents & Timeline
Required documents, what the DIP examines, how long it takes, government fees, and how to renew.
Petty Patent
What Inventions Qualify for a Petty Patent in Thailand? Criteria and Exclusions
The novelty and industrial-applicability criteria, why no inventive step is required, and what's excluded by law.
Petty Patent
Petty Patent vs. Patent: What's the Difference and Which Should You Choose
Comparing invention patents and petty patents to help you choose the right protection for your invention.
Patent
What Is a Patent, and Why Register One?
What a patent means, why you should register one, and how it differs from other forms of IP.
FAQ
Frequently Asked Questions
How many times can a petty patent be renewed?
It can be renewed twice, for 2 years each time, for a maximum protection term of 10 years from the filing date. See the full process and deadlines in Petty Patent Renewal in Thailand: Process and Deadlines
Can I convert a petty patent application to an invention patent later?
Conversion between application types is possible under certain conditions set by law. Consult a patent agent to assess whether it's appropriate for your case.
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