• Patent fees

Fees associated with filing patent applications in Sweden as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Term for filing patent application

The term for filing a patent application in Sweden claiming priority is 12 months from the priority date. In case the application is not filed within the 12-month term, it is still possible to claim priority within 2 months after expiration of the initial term. An application for restoration must be filed alongside payment of the applicable fee. 

• Filing requirements in Sweden

The application for a patent can be filed in Swedish or English. If the patent application is filed in any other foreign language, the Swedish or English translation must be submitted within two months from the date of filing. If the application is filed in English, the Swedish translation of claims is required to be submitted at the time of grant.

For obtainment of the date of filing, a patent application in Sweden must contain:
- applicant's and inventor's details;
- a description and claims of the invention in any language;
- payment of the official fee for filing.

A certified copy of the Priority Document must be provided to the patent office within 16 months from the priority date or within four months from the filing date in Sweden, whichever is later. The translation into Swedish is not required.

Legalisation or notarisation of the Power of Attorney is not required. A soft copy of signed Power of Attorney may be filed within one month from filing the Swedish patent application.

• Examination of a Swedish patent application

Patent applications in Sweden are examined as to compliance with formal and substantive requirements. The substantive examination of a Swedish patent application is conducted automatically. No specific request needs to be filed. 

• Novelty grace period

Novelty grace period is not stipulated by the Swedish patent legislation.

• Grant, validity term and maintenance fees

The term for payment of the official grant fee is two months from issuance of the Notice of Allowance. Patents in Sweden are valid for 20 years from the filing date. The first annual fee is payable for the third year from the filing date. It should be paid by the beginning of the third year and applies to pending applications. All subsequent annual maintenance fees for a patent in Sweden are paid in advance before the due date, which is the last day of the month containing the anniversary of the filing date. Late payment is possible within a grace period of six months after the due date, a surcharge of 20% applies.

• Duration of registration procedure

Approximate time from filing up to grant of a patent in Sweden is 1 year.

• Utility Model

There is no utility model protection in Sweden.

• Representation by a patent attorney

For foreign applicants, it is recommended to appoint an agent, a registered Swedish patent attorney to perform patent prosecution in Sweden.

• Notes

1. Online Search databases: Swedish Patents, European Patents (EPO).
2. The patent protection in Sweden may also be obtained via European Patent and its further validation in Sweden. 

Brief summary is based on the information provided by Fenix Legal on 18.03.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Swedish IP Laws.