Patent
To file a patent application in Germany, the documents must be in German. If the application is filed in English or French, the translation must be submitted within twelve months of the filing date, but no later than 15 months from the priority date. If the application is filed in any other foreign language, the translation must be submitted within three months of the filing date. After filing, the application is kept confidential for 18 months and is published once the 18 months have passed. An opposition against the patent may be filed within 9 months of publication. The relevant annuity must be paid every year. The maximum term of protection is 20 years.
Utility model
Utility model protection is available in Germany. For inventions that are new but do not involve an inventive step, a utility model application should be filed instead of a patent application. Utility model protection lasts 10 years. Annuities are due after 3, 6 and 8 years. Compared with a patent, it is a faster, cheaper and more practical route.