How long does it take to apply for a patent in Europe? Introduction of European patent application

With the introduction of EU and UK, the market demand for China brands will also increase. If you want to apply for an EU patent at this time, it is the right time, but how long will it take to apply for a European patent? This may be a problem that everyone needs to pay attention to. The European Patent Office is responsible for the acceptance, examination and authorization of European patent applications. The European Patent Office is only responsible for the application for invention patents. AT present, the European Patent Cooperation Treaty has 34 member countries: (at Austria, be Belgium, BG Bulgaria, CH Switzerland, CY Cyprus, CZ Czech Republic, Germany, DK Denmark, EE Estonia, es Spain, FI Finland, FR France, GB Britain, GR Greece, HR Croatia, HU Hungary, IE Ireland, IS Iceland, IT Italy, LI Liechtenstein and LT Lithuania. Luxembourg, Latvia, Monaco, Malta, Norway, Netherlands, Poland, Portugal, Romania, Sweden, Slovenia, Slovakia, Turkey). There are also four expanding countries: Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, The former Yugoslav Republic of Macedonia and the Republic of Serbia. From April 1 day, 2009, all member countries of the European Patent Treaty can designate after paying the designation fee. If there are few countries that want to be protected, you can directly submit the application in these countries, or the PCT application can directly enter these countries. Time limit for application: The time limit for ordinary application for priority is 12 months from the priority date. PCT applications enter Europe 3 1 month from the earliest priority date. Duration of protection: the invention patent is 20 years from the date of application.