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BUSINESS BRIEF: SWEDEN


BUSINESS BRIEF: SWEDEN Patents


How do you register or secure patent rights, and is national or international coverage most appropriate?


A Swedish patent application is filed with the Swedish Patent and Registration Office (PRV), and is granted for a term of up to 20 years from the filing date (if the annual renewal fees are paid). If the patent relates to a medicinal or plant protection product, the term of the patent can be extended by five years using supplementary protection.


Te national application can be filed in Swedish, but there is also the opportunity to prepare for the international phase by filing an application in English, although the PRV will request a supplement of Swedish translation within four months from the office action.


One advantage of filing a national Swedish application is that the first Office Action or Intention to Grant is issued within six to eight months from the filing date, which means it is possible to obtain a patent extremely quickly.


What are the costs for obtaining a patent, and what are the costs of defending it?


Te basic filing fee for a Swedish national patent is SEK 3,000 (€330), with an additional fee for each patent claim beyond the first ten of SEK 150. Te issue fee is SEK 1,400, and SEK 175 for each page exceeding eight. Attorney fees have to be paid for the filing and examination proceedings as well as for the issuance of the patent.


Te costs up to the City Court decision tend to range between 400,000 SEK and five million SEK, depending on the complexity of the case. Te costs before the court of appeal are generally slightly lower..


Where can you find information on existing patents in your jurisdiction?


Te Swedish patent database can be found on the PRV website.


Is there anything unusual about the patent law that companies should be aware of, and what are the most common mistakes businesses make?


Filing a patent application in Sweden is a quick and cheap way to get a patent protection: the first office action is issued within six months from the filing date. Tis office action can in fact be the formal information that the patent office intends to grant the patent. Within a further three to four months, aſter payment of all official fees, the patent will be granted and issued.


Te most common mistake is to inform media and possible financial partners before securing the patent with an application, or at least a proper non-disclosure agreement.


What are the key threats to patent owners, and what is the best strategy if you suspect someone is infringing your patent?


Patent infringement, especially in the medical and soſtware technology business, is rather common. In case of infringements by business partners, mediation is the best way to find a solution, but in other cases a distinct cease-and-desist letter is the best start.


However, do bear in mind that a groundless cease- and-desist letter may be seen an unfair competition. Also, the accused infringer normally acts directly with a patent validity trial.


Have there been any changes to the patent law(s) in the last 12 months?


On January 30, 2014, the Swedish government submitted a referral to the Council on Legislation for adapting Swedish law to the Unitary Patent protection within the EU. As a part of the referral, it is suggested that although an applicant who chooses to validate a European patent in Sweden shall still file a Swedish translation of the patent claims, the Swedish translation will no longer have any legal effect. Te regulation will likely come into legal force by July 1, 2014.


134 World Intellectual Property Review Annual 2014 Trademarks


How do you register or secure trademark rights, and what protection does it grant? Trademark protection in Sweden can be obtained by use, by a national Swedish trademark registration, by a Madrid Protocol registration covering Sweden and/or by a Community trademark registration.


An unregistered trademark is protected only in the part of Sweden that it has become used and known, and only as long as it is in use.


All other formally registered trademarks have full protection in Sweden, preventing third parties from using and registering a trademark, design or company name that is confusingly similar and related to the same or similar goods or services.


What are the costs for registering a trademark, and what are the costs of defending it?


Te official filing fee for a Swedish trademark application is 1,800 SEK (€200), and 900 SEK per additional class (if filed electronically). Te costs up to the district court decision tend to range between 75,000 SEK and 150,000 SEK.


What are the key threats to trademark owners, and what is the best strategy for dealing with infringement?


Online infringement is still the most common threat, with fake websites and online sale of pirate goods. As to patent-related disputes, the easiest and best way is to start with a formal cease-and-desist letter. If such letter does not stop the infringement, the trademark holder will have to take the case to court, normally civil but in certain serious cases criminal court actions are also available.


What are the most common mistakes trademark owners make?


To not register corresponding domain names prior to the application of the trademark, therefore opening up opportunities for cybersquatters.


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