Montenegro is not a PCT Contracting State for direct national phase entry. Patent protection is obtained via European (EP) regional phase entry at the EPO, followed by extension or validation of the EP patent in Montenegro.
Deadline
EP regional phase entry: 31 months from the priority date or international filing date. The extension request for Montenegro can be filed at any time before EP grant publication. Validation after grant must be completed within 3 months of grant publication, which may be extendable.
Representation requirements
A local representative is required for validation or extension formalities.
Language and translation requirements
The EP application is filed in EPO languages (English preferred for Montenegro). For validation in Montenegro, a translation of the claims into Montenegrin is required. A full description translation is not required if the EP patent is in English (following accession to the London Agreement). Submit EP B1 in English with translated claims.
Examination
Handled through the EPO procedure, including search and examination. The Montenegrin IPO performs formal checks after validation, with no re-examination.
Term and maintenance
20 years from the international or EP filing date.