NL Patent Office

Surrender, assignment or change of name

Once a patent has been granted, it may not be withdrawn. The only way you can surrender a patent is to send a letter in which you state that you surrender the patent. It is possible to completely or partially surrender a patent.

Requirements registration Dutch patent register

• The patent right number that is being surrendered must be clearly stated.
• The letter must be signed. The attorney who handles your patent is also entitled to sign the letter.
• If a patent is being partially surrendered, you must file an amended description and/or claims.

Fees
Registration of a deed of assignment costs 27 euro per patent number. You can transfer this sum to the bank account of NL Patent Office.

Assignment
If the legal form changes or if one party sells its rights to a third party, this is known as a deed of assignment or deed of merger.

Requirements registration Dutch patent register

• You must submit an original deed or a copy that has been certified by a civil-law notary. The certification must be an original copy.
• The name and place of residence or place of business of the transferring party must correspond with the details in the patent register.
• You must state the name and complete address details of the receiving party/parties.
• The patent right number must be stated.
• The name and position of the signatories of the deed must be stated.
• Ensure that the signature of the signatory is an original. A stamp is therefore not acceptable.
• Finally, the deed must state the date and place of signing.

Fees
Registration of a deed of assignment costs 27 per patent number. You can transfer this sum to the bank account of NL Patent Office.

A deed of assignment must be accompanied by a payment order. Prior to registration, the amount due must be paid or instructions to debit a deposit account must be supplied.

Change of name
A name is deemed as having been changed if a company changes its name while continuing to be the holder of the patent right.

Requirements registration Dutch patent register

• You may use a copy of a document from the Chamber of Commerce. The former and new name of the holder must be displayed on this document.
• The date of the change must be stated.
• The deed is submitted stating the complete address details of the party whose name has been changed. If the deed does not contain this information, this must be provided in an accompanying letter.

Fees
Registration of a change of name costs 11 euro per patent number. If you provide six or more patent right numbers, you will be charged 5 euro for the sixth patent number and each subsequent number. You can transfer this sum to the bank account of NL Patent Office prior to registration. It is also permitted for instructions to debit a deposit account to be sent with the registration.

Registration Dutch patent register
Any amendment that is registered by means of a deed is entered in the patent register with retroactive effect.