Patent Filing Timeframe Importance

Summary

Disclosing an invention to the public more than 12 months before filing a patent application can destroy its novelty, making it unpatentable under the Philippine Intellectual Property Code. Prior art includes any public disclosure before the filing date. The 12-month period to file for a patent starts from the date of public disclosure. Exceptions to this rule apply only for disclosures made within the 12 months preceding the filing date under certain conditions.

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COMPUTATION OF * MONTH PERIOD FROM WHAT PERIOD STARTS?
The *-month period starts from the date of public disclosure of the invention. You have 12 months from that date to file for a patent to maintain the invention's novelty. If you file after this period, the invention may not be considered novel due to prior art.