Prioritätsabdruck

Prioritätsabdruck refers to a document that proves the filing date of a patent application in a foreign country. When an inventor files a patent application in their home country, they are granted a priority date. This date is crucial because it establishes the inventor's claim to their invention. If the inventor then files for patent protection in other countries within a specified period, typically 12 months, they can claim priority to their original filing date. The Prioritätsabdruck serves as evidence of this initial filing.

This document is typically a certified copy of the original patent application as filed in the priority country. It includes details such as the application number, filing date, inventor's name, and the title of the invention. Obtaining a Prioritätsabdruck is a standard procedure for international patent filings under the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property. It ensures that the inventor's rights are recognized from the initial filing date, even in countries where the application is filed later.

The Prioritätsabdruck is essential for establishing novelty and inventive step in foreign jurisdictions. If an invention is disclosed or made public between the priority date and the filing date in a new country, the Prioritätsabdruck can be used to argue that the invention was already protected by the earlier filing. This mechanism encourages innovation by providing a streamlined process for seeking international patent protection.