Applying for a patent is a smart investment in protecting your innovation. Your invention will be well protected, allowing you to continue developing it with confidence and to strengthen your position against competitors. At Inaday, we guide you step by step through the entire process and take care of all the technical and legal details. The costs are clearly outlined below.
Are you a start-up entrepreneur? Then also take a look at our benefit programmes.
1. Introduction meeting
We start with a free introductory meeting. During this session, we discuss your invention, answer your questions, and assess whether your invention is likely to qualify for a patent — and whether the patent process is worthwhile.
2. Patent screening (€1,275 excl. VAT)
Before preparing an official patent application, you can opt for a patent screening. This is an initial feasibility study to determine whether your idea has sufficient potential for a successful application. Our patent team analyses to what extent your invention is genuinely new, inventive, and industrially applicable — the three requirements every patent application must meet according to the Netherlands Patent Office.
Based on this analysis, you will receive:
- A summary of comparable patents.
- An assessment of your chances of obtaining protection.
- Advice on whether proceeding with a patent application is advisable. Should you invest further in an application, or is it better to make technical or substantive improvements first? This helps you avoid unnecessary costs for a process that may later turn out to be unfeasible.
3. Drafting the patent application (€5,800 excl. VAT)
If the patent screening shows that your idea is promising, we proceed with drafting the official patent application. The application will meet the strict requirements of the Patent Office and ensure your invention is protected as broadly and strongly as possible.
You will receive a first draft for review within ten working days. Need it faster? You can choose an expedited option:
- Delivery of the first draft within three working days: 10% surcharge
- Delivery of the first draft within one working day: 20% surcharge
Afterwards, we process any comments and ensure that the application is complete and ready for submission.
4. Filing the application
Once you approve the patent application, it will be filed with either the Netherlands Patent Office (OCNL) or the European Patent Office (EPO).
Filing fees:
- Netherlands (OCNL): €874 (excl. VAT)
- Europe (EPO): €1,655 (excl. VAT)
5. After filing
Protection
From the moment your patent application is filed, your invention is immediately protected. Others can no longer successfully patent the same invention. This initial filing gives you what is known as a priority right, meaning you have one year to extend your application to other countries.
Even if someone else attempts to patent the same invention within that year, your original filing date takes precedence. It’s as if all subsequent filings were submitted at the same time as your first application.
Official international novelty search
Within six to nine months, the OCNL or EPO (depending on where the application was filed) will carry out an official international novelty search. This search determines whether your invention is sufficiently new and inventive compared to prior patents and public disclosures.
This search is legally required and forms the basis for the examination of your application. It provides assurance both for you and for others that your invention is worthy of protection. The search is included in the filing fee and does not incur additional costs.
Advice on the results of the official international novelty search
Once the results of the official international novelty search are available, we provide a detailed consultation (€1,400 excl. VAT) explaining the findings.
Our advice will help you understand your position, your likelihood of obtaining a granted patent, and whether it is worthwhile to proceed with the application. We also assist you in deciding whether to extend your protection to other countries within the first year.
Monitoring system
From that point on, we include your invention in our monitoring system and provide periodic reports on new patent applications published after your filing date. This keeps you informed about developments in your field and allows you to stay ahead of competitors.
The first year of monitoring is free of charge. Afterwards, you can choose to renew it annually for €495 per year, around the application anniversary date.
Want to know more about the cost of applying for a patent?
You can apply for a Dutch patent starting from €6,674 excl. VAT. Interested in patent protection in multiple countries or making use of European subsidies? Contact us for a personal consultation — by phone or at our offices in Enschede, Heerenveen, or Zwolle.