In an examination system, the patent-granting authority substantively checks whether your application meets the requirements of novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability. To this end, an examiner performs a novelty search to identify the prior art. He will then enter into discussions with you or your NLO patent agent until consensus has been reached on patentability. Without such consensus, the patent will not be granted.
In a registration system, the patent-granting authority only checks whether your application meets the statutory procedural requirements. While the process does usually include a novelty search, its outcome has no immediate consequences for the granting of the patent.
Most countries (the United States, China, Japan, etc.) have an examination system, this is the same in Europe. The Netherlands uses a registration system.
The approval of your patent is followed by a few necessary subsequent steps:
Go to patent agreements if you want to read more about how we can assist you in drawing up the relevant contracts, and to IP Services to read about our post-grant services.
NLO will support you in everything that has anything to do with patents. If you have any questions, feel free to contact one of our experts.