Iceland (IS) |
| Read term notes | |
| Current term: | 15 Years |
| From: | Date of Issue |
| Discontinuity Dates: | Yes (01/01/1992) |
| Term Notes: | Former term was 15 years from Publication date. |
| Extension Possible: | Yes From 1998, up to 5 years' extension for pharmaceuticals (maximum of 15 years from marketing). See EU Regulation 1768/92 (Supplementary Protection Certificate). Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) for plant protection and medicinal products became effective in Iceland on 02/01/1998. |
| Member of PCT: | Yes (23/03/1995) |
| Region: | None |
| Country Notes: |
The Icelandic Government has indicated that it is likely that Iceland will accede to the European Patent Convention (EPC) in 2004. 20/10/2004 UPDATE: Iceland is bound by the European Patent Convention (EPC) from 1 November 2004, following its accession on 31 August 2004. |
| Current Law: | Patents Act No. 17 of 1991 (Amended 1996) |
| Effective From: | 01/01/1992 |
| Current Rules: | GATT-TRIPS provisions |
| Effective From: | 01/01/1992 |
| Law Notes: | The main features of the 1996 amendments to the Icelandic Patents Act No. 17/1991 include: granting of patents for pharmaceuticals after 01/06/96, based on applications filed after 01/01/1995; a post-grant opposition system with an opposition period of 9 months; and introduction of Supplementary Protection Certificates for pharmaceuticals into the Patents Act. However, since Iceland can take advantage of Article 21 of EU Regulation No. 1768/1992, the provisions of the regulation will not apply until after 02/01/1998. |
| Database Coverage | |
| Derwent WPI: | No |
| INPADOC: | No |