Registering a patent online - that's what you have to do

If you want to register a patent online, this works in Germany at the DPMA. We'll show you how it's done.

Register patent online

The abbreviation DPMA stands for the "German Patent and Trademark Office". Here you can register your patent both nationally and internationally. All you need is a signature card with the associated card reader and the free registration software of DPMAdirektPro.

• Software : You need the current version of the DPMAdirektPro software to register. You can download this free of charge from the DPMA website.
• Electronic signature : For your application to be legally effective, you must sign the registration. However, this can only be done online using a digital signature. You can find out where to get your digital signature and a card reader on the website of the Federal Network Agency.
• Data : If you have software and a card reader together, you can fill out the necessary forms and insert all the attachments. Among other things, the following things are required: requests for examination or research, description with drawings, summaries and claims, replies to notices, priority documents, power of attorney, translation for foreign-language registration, naming of inventions, etc. All data must be submitted in TIFF, PDF or JPG format, but are now automatically brought into the data format required by the DPMA. Help in using the program can be found in this manual.
• Send : Data ends up in the DPMA's virtual post office. There your registration will be checked again for completeness. You will then receive an acknowledgment of receipt. Your application will be examined in the coming days and weeks. You will then be informed whether your patent has been accepted.

We will show you how to apply for a tax number online in the next practical tip.