Russia Extends Patent Filing Grace Period for Publicly Disclosed Inventions

Russia Extends Patent Filing Grace Period for Publicly Disclosed Inventions

Russia’s State Duma approved a bill that doubles the filing window for patent applications after an invention has been publicly disclosed, extending it from 6 months to 12 months. The change also covers disclosures made at international exhibitions, a move that could help inventors protect technological ideas showcased before formal patent filing.[2]

The amendment applies to Russia’s Civil Code and is intended to give inventors more time to secure patent rights after presenting technical solutions to the public. The rule is particularly relevant for technology creators, startups, and researchers who often need to demonstrate prototypes or innovations before filing.[2]

Analysts say the longer grace period may reduce accidental loss of patentability for inventions first revealed at major global forums, while also making Russia’s patent regime more flexible for innovation-driven industries. The reform could matter beyond Russia because it affects disclosures tied to international exhibitions and cross-border technology promotion.[2]