Croatia

A PCT application may enter the national phase in Croatia to pursue patent protection, provided the invention meets national patentability requirements.

The deadline is 31 months from the priority date for entry into the national phase in Croatia.

Representation requirements

Foreign applicants must generally appoint a locally authorized representative (Croatian patent attorney).

Language and translation requirements

  • A translation of the international application into Croatian is required, typically including:
  • description,
  • claims,
  • abstract,
  • drawings (if any) or relevant text.

Examination

National phase applications proceed under the national patent procedure, typically including:

  1. formal examination, and
  2. substantive examination.

Office actions may be issued, and responses must be filed within the prescribed time limits.

Term and maintenance

Baseline term: 20 years from the international filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

An SPC may be available for qualifying medicinal or plant protection products, generally for up to 5 years.