The application process of Belgian invention patent is quite different from that of China, which is mainly reflected in the examination procedures of the two countries. To apply for a Belgian invention patent, after the applicant submits the application, the Patent Office will first conduct a formal examination. After it meets the requirements, it will be published 18 months from the application date (or priority date) of the invention patent. A patent application is made public without substantive examination, and a patent right is granted.
The applicant may file a novelty retrieval request with the Patent Office within 18 months from the application date (or priority date), and the Patent Office will issue a retrieval report after retrieval.