North Macedonia is a Contracting State of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Applicants can obtain protection in North Macedonia by entering the national phase of a PCT application directly before the SOIP.
Deadline for national phase entry
The time limit for entering the national phase in North Macedonia is 31 months from the earliest priority date for both Chapter I and Chapter II PCT procedures. There is generally no routine extension beyond 31 months, except for limited restoration possibilities under the “due care” standard.
Language and translation requirements
For PCT national phase entry, the official language is Macedonian. Where the international application is published in another language, a Macedonian translation of the description, claims, drawings, and abstract must be filed within the prescribed time limit (generally at entry or within 1 month). Failure to provide a complete translation in time may result in loss of rights.
Representation
Foreign applicants must be represented before the SOIP by a North Macedonian industrial property representative. A power of attorney can typically be filed after entry within a prescribed period, without notarization in standard cases.
Core formal requirements for PCT national phase
Term and maintenance of patents granted via PCT
A patent granted following PCT national phase entry in North Macedonia has the same 20 year term from the international or corresponding national filing date, provided that annual maintenance fees are duly paid. SPC extensions and maintenance rules are the same as for directly filed national patents.