In a previous article [1], we commented on the special restoration procedure that was instituted by the Belgian legislator in favour of European patent holders that had forfeited their rights because the translation of their patent was filed too late with the Belgian IP Office (OPRI). Amongst other things, we noted in our previous news that this special restoration procedure, only available for a one-off period of six months ending on 22 March 2015, was only open (under certain conditions) to European patents that had been subject to an opposition or a central limitation procedure. We commented on that limitation by saying that this requirement “might be viewed as a form of discrimination that the Constitutional Court could judge contrary to the equality rule, combined with the respect due to the right of property.” We concluded as follows:
“Although the law only refers to European patents “maintained as modified or limited”, we believe that it should also be possible to file a special restoration application for patents issued without opposition or limitation. If the OPRI were to refuse to grant restoration and that decision were appealed against, it can doubtlessly be expected that a reference would be made to the Constitutional Court for a preliminary ruling.”
Our analysis was confirmed by a judgment of March 2015 by the Brussels Court of Appeal. As a consequence, and to avoid any further problems, the Belgian legislator recently instituted a new special restoration procedure. This time the procedure is also open to European patents that were not subject to opposition or limitation procedures and that could therefore not benefit from the initial special restoration procedure.
What are the requirements for being able to use this new special restoration procedure?
The date of grant of the European patent cannot be later than 21 September 2014;
- The patent owner had no access to any of the other restoration procedures instituted by the Belgian legislator (i.e. the “normal” restoration procedure in case of translations filed with delay or the first special restoration procedure ending on 22 March 2015) ;
- A translation of the patent has been filed, but too late;
- The request for this new special restoration is filed before 5 January 2017.
If you think one of your European patents, or one of your client’s European patents, could be in this situation, you should urgently consider filing a request for restoration with the Belgian IP Office. We are at your disposal should you need any further information on the above.
Fernand de Visscher and Eric De Gryse
fernand.devisscher@simontbraun.eu [2]
eric.degryse@simontbraun.eu [3]