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OUR SERVICES

Explore our comprehensive international IP Services

Covering PCT, EPC, EU trademarks, German filings, and US patent applications to secure your innovations globally.

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What We Do

Schlee Intellectual Property International, P.C. provides international intellectual property services with a focus on patents, trademarks, and designs. Through its partnership with Schaumburg & Partners in Germany, the firm delivers trusted representation across the U.S., Europe, and international markets.

Practice Focus:

International Patent Applications (PCT)

Strategic guidance for filing and prosecuting international patent applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

European Patents

Representation and guidance for securing and prosecuting patent protection through the European patent system.

United States Patents and Trademarks

Assistance with protecting inventions and brands through U.S. patent and trademark filing, prosecution, and related counsel.

International Patent Prosecution and Portfolio Management

Coordinated management of international patent portfolios, from prosecution strategy and deadlines to maintaining valuable rights across jurisdictions.

German Patents, Utility Models and Trademarks

Guidance for obtaining and managing German patent, utility model, and trademark protection.

European Union Trademarks (EUTM)

Assistance securing EU trademark protection for brands, names, and other eligible marks across the European Union.

Registered Community Designs (RCDs)

Protection for the visual appearance and design of products through registered European design rights.

Patent Protection

Secure your inventions in the U.S., Europe, and international markets.

Trademark Registration

Protect your brand with U.S. and European trademark services.

Design Rights

Safeguard the appearance of your products with design protection.

International Filing

Coordinate global IP filings through the PCT system.

IP Strategy

Develop long-term intellectual property strategies tailored to your business.

Cross-Border Expertise

Over 20 years of experience handling international intellectual property matters.

Other Areas of Expertise:

Opinions on Intellectual Property Infringement and Validity

Professional analysis of IP rights to assess potential infringement, enforceability, and validity issues.

Patent and Trademark Search & Watch Services

Search and monitoring services that help identify existing rights, relevant filings, and potential conflicts.

Expert Witness Testimony on German, European and International Patent Law

Specialized expert testimony and technical insight concerning German, European, and international patent law.

Due Diligence for Intellectual Property Portfolios

Detailed evaluation of IP portfolios to identify rights, risks, strengths, and considerations relevant to business or legal decisions.

Filing Requirements For:

International Patent Application (PCT)

International Patent Applications may be filed with the International Bureau (IB) or another competent Receiving Office (RO) determined by the applicant’s residency or nationality, subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Specification, claims, abstract and drawings (if any)
  2. Name, residence, nationality and business address of Applicant(s)
  3. Name, residence, nationality and address of the Inventor(s)
  4. If claiming a priority right, the priority date and country of origin must be provided when filing the application. The serial number and a certified copy of the priority application (priority document) can be submitted within 16 months from the earliest priority date. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, PCT Receiving Offices upload priority documents when given their WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code)

International Patent Applications may be filed with the International Bureau (IB) or another competent Receiving Office (RO) determined by the applicant’s residency or nationality, subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Specification, claims, abstract and drawings (if any)
  2. Name, residence, nationality and business address of Applicant(s)
  3. Name, residence, nationality and address of the Inventor(s)
  4. If claiming a priority right, the priority date and country of origin must be provided when filing the application. The serial number and a certified copy of the priority application (priority document) can be submitted within 16 months from the earliest priority date. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, PCT Receiving Offices upload priority documents when given their WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code)

At the European Patent Office (EPO) European Patent Applications can be filed covering all EU countries and some additional member countries of the European Patent Convention (EPC) by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Specification, claim, abstract and drawings (if any)
  2. Name and business address of Applicant(s)
  3. Name and address of Inventor(s)
  4. If claiming a priority right, the priority date and country of origin need to be declared within two months from the filing date. The serial number and a certified copy of the priority application (priority document) must be submitted within 16 months from the earliest priority date. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, the EPO uploads priority documents when given their WIPO DAS access code, a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code
  5. If based on a PCT application (Euro–PCT Application) filed in any other language than the 3 official EPO languages (i.e., English, French and German), a translation into any of these official languages is required.

At the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), Registered Community Design (RCD) applications covering all EU countries may be filed by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Drawings: Up to seven views per design may be submitted, with each view provided on a separate page (typically six views showing all sides, plus one perspective view)
  2. Name and business address of Applicant(s)
  3. Name and address of the Creator(s) (Inventor(s))
  4. Application Type: Single-design application or multiple-design application
  5. Title defining the product (e.g., pen, frame, etc.)
  6. If claiming a priority right, the priority date and country of origin need to be declared within one month from the filing date. The serial number and a certified copy of the priority application (priority document) can be submitted within 3 months from the filing date. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, EUIPO uploads priority documents when provided with the WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code).
  7. Short description (optional): May briefly describe the view shown by the respective figures (e.g., top view, bottom view, side view, perspective view)

At the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), European Union Trademark (EUTM) applications can be filed covering all EU countries by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Name and business address of Applicant(s)
  2. Type of trademark: Word mark; figurative mark; combined word/figurative mark
  3. List of goods and/or services, and if known, the international class(es) of goods and/or services
  4. If claiming a priority right, the priority date, country of origin, and the serial number need to be declared at the time of filing. EUIPO checks the priority data ex officio and only in rare cases requests a paper priority document

At the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) utility patent applications can be filed by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Specification, claims and drawings (if any). An abstract can be filed within 15 months from the priority date, but should preferably be filed with filing of the application.
  2. Name and business address of Applicant(s)
  3. Name and address of Inventor(s) may be submitted within 15 months from the priority date, but should preferably be filed with filing the application
  4. If claiming a priority right, the priority date and country of origin need to be declared within two months of the filing date. The serial number and a copy of the priority application (simple, non-certified copy is sufficient) can be submitted within 16 months from the priority date. In lieu of filing paper copies of priority documents, the DPMA uploads priority documents when provided with the WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code)

At the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) utility model applications covering the territory of Germany can be filed by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Specification, claims and drawings (if any)
  2. Name and business address of Applicant(s)
  3. If claiming a foreign priority right, the priority date and country of origin need to be declared upon filing of the application, and the serial number of the priority application needs to be provided within 16 months of the priority date

At the German Patent and Trade Mark Office (DPMA), registered design applications covering the territory of Germany may be filed by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Drawings: One or more drawings or photographs of the design, with a maximum of 10 views per design (typically six views showing all sides, plus one or more perspective views)
  2. Name and business address of the Applicant(s)
  3. Name and address of the Creator(s) (Inventor(s))
  4. Application Type: A single-design application or a multiple-design application (covering up to 100 designs)
  5. If claiming a priority right, the priority date, country of origin and the serial number need to be declared within 16 months from the priority date, and a simple, non-certified copy of the priority document must also be filed by the 16-month deadline.
  6. Short description (optional): May briefly describe the view shown by the respective figures (e.g., top view, bottom view, side view, perspective view), but should not exceed 100 words in total.

At the German Patent and Trademark Office (DPMA) trademark applications covering the territory of Germany can be filed by complying with the following filing requirements:

  1. Name and business address of Applicant(s)
  2. Type of trademark: Word mark, figurative mark, or combined word/figurative mark
  3. List of goods and/or services, and if known, the international class(es) of goods and/or services
  4. If claiming a priority right, the priority date, country of origin and serial number need to be declared within two months from the filing date. The DPMA checks the priority data ex officio and only in rare cases requests a simple, non-certified copy of the priority application

At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), utility patent applications covering the territory of the United States can be filed subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Specification, claims, abstract and drawings (if any)
  2. If the application is filed in a language other than English, an English translation must be filed within two months of the receipt of a Notice of Missing Parts.
  3. Name, residence, nationality and address of Inventor(s)
  4. Name, residence, nationality and business address of the Applicant(s)
  5. Entity Status: For determining the official fees, information regarding Small Entity status (e.g., individuals, nonprofit organizations, or businesses having no more than 500 employees, subject to applicable ownership and licensing requirements) or Large Entity status
  6. Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) listing the prior art known to the Applicant needs to be filed within 3 months from the filing date or 3 months from knowledge of the prior art. Any time the Applicant becomes aware of new prior art, an additional IDS needs to be filed. Later filing may be possible under certain circumstances but, depending on the timing and circumstances, may require payment of additional official fees.
  7. Declaration signed and dated by the Inventor(s), declaring inventorship of the subject matter of the application. Although filing of the Declaration can be deferred up to the payment of the issue fee, it is advisable to file the Declaration as soon as possible, preferably with filing of the application.
  8. If claiming a priority right, the priority date, country of origin and serial number must be provided, preferably with filing of the application. By making the priority claim on a separate Application Data Sheet (ADS), the priority claim can be deferred until the later of 4 months from filing or 16 months from the priority date. A certified copy of the priority application (priority document) can be submitted within 16 months from the earliest priority date. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, the USPTO uploads priority documents when provided with the WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code).
  9. Assignments may be filed at any time during the prosecution of the application. It is generally recommended that the Assignment be recorded shortly after filing, once application number has been assigned.

At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), a national phase U.S. based on PCT for utility patents covering the territory of the United States can be filed subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Copy of the international application, unless it has been sent to the USPTO by the IB
  2. English Translation (if the underlying PCT application was not filed in English). Verification of the translation is only required if requested
  3. Declaration signed and dated by the Inventor(s), declaring inventorship of the subject matter of the application. Although filing of the Declaration can be deferred up to the payment of the issue fee, it is advisable to file the Declaration as soon as possible, preferably with filing of the application.
  4. Payment of national basic fee, search fee and examination fee
  5. Entity Status: For determining the official fees, information regarding Small Entity status (e.g., individuals, nonprofit organizations, or businesses having no more than 500 employees, subject to applicable ownership and licensing requirements) or Large Entity status
  6. Preliminary amendment (recommended) adapting the claims and specification to U.S. patent law and practice
  7. Sequence listing for biotechnology related inventions
  8. A copy of any amendments to the claims made under PCT Article 19, together with an English translation (if applicable), must be furnished no later than the expiration of 30 months from the priority date. Article 19 amendments not submitted by the 30-month deadline will be considered canceled for purposes of the U.S. national stage.
  9. If a priority claim was made in the underlying PCT application, but the priority document was not filed within the 16-month deadline in the international phase, a certified copy of the priority application (priority document) can still be submitted within four months of national phase entry. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, the USPTO uploads priority documents when provided with the WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code).

At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. provisional patent applications may be filed to establish an early filing date in the United States, and may later serve as the basis for claiming a priority right or benefit claim for  a subsequent U.S. non-provisional patent application or international patent application, subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Name, residence, nationality and address of the Inventor(s)
  2. Name, residence, nationality and business address of the Applicant(s), if Applicant(s) differ from Inventor(s). In this case, the U.S. Provisional Patent Application needs to be filed with an Application Data Sheet (ADS)
  3. Title of the invention
  4. Description and drawings (if any). Patent claims are not required but are recommended for defining the scope of the priority right, among other reasons.
  5. Entity Status: For determining the applicable official fees, information regarding whether the applicant qualifies for Small Entity status (e.g., individuals, nonprofit organizations, or businesses having no more than 500 employees, subject to applicable ownership and licensing requirements) or Large Entity status
  6. Assignments may be filed at any time during prosecution of the application. It is generally recommended that the Assignment be recorded shortly after filing, once an application number has been assigned.

At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. design patent applications covering the territory of the United States can be filed subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Drawings showing the claimed design, typically including views from all sides and a perspective view
  2. A short description identifying the views shown in the respective figures (e.g., top view, bottom view, side view, perspective view), along with a formal claim directed to the design shown in the drawings.
  3. Name and address of Creator(s) (Inventor(s))
  4. Name, residence, nationality and business address of Applicant(s)
  5. Declaration signed and dated by the Creator(s) (Inventor(s)), declaring inventorship of the subject matter of the application. Although filing of the Declaration can be deferred up to the payment of the grant and printing fees, it is advisable to file the Declaration as soon as possible, preferably with filing of the application.
  6. Information Disclosure Statement (IDS) listing the prior art designs known to the Applicant needs to be filed within 3 months from the filing date or 3 months from knowledge of the prior art. Any time the Applicant becomes aware of new prior art, an additional IDS needs to be filed. Later filing may be possible under certain circumstances but, depending on the timing and circumstances, may require payment of additional official fees.
  7. Entity Status: For determining the official fees, information regarding Small Entity status (e.g., individuals, nonprofit organizations, or businesses having no more than 500 employees, subject to applicable ownership and licensing requirements) or Large Entity status
  8. Assignments may be filed at any time during the prosecution of the application. It is generally recommended that the Assignment be recorded shortly after filing, once an application number has been assigned.
  9. If claiming a priority right, the priority date, country of origin, and serial number must be provided, preferably with filing of the application. By making the priority claim on a separate Application Data Sheet (ADS), the priority claim can be made and a certified copy of the priority application may be filed at any time during pendency of the application. In lieu of filing paper priority documents, the USPTO uploads priority documents when provided with the WIPO DAS access code (a 4-digit or alphanumeric validation code).

At the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO), U.S. Trademark Applications covering the territory of the United States can be filed subject to the following filing requirements:

  1. Name, nationality and residence or business address of Applicant(s)
  2. Type of trademark: Word mark, figurative mark, or combined word/figurative mark
  3. Use-status of the trademark (i.e., actual use or intent-to-use): For intent-to-use trademark applications, after issuance of the Notice of Allowance, the deadline for submitting proof of use may be extended in six-month increments for up to three years, by paying respective official fees. If identical foreign trademark applications or trademark registrations exist in countries other than the U.S., proof of use in U.S. commerce is not required to be submitted until between the fifth and sixth years following registration.
  4. List of goods and/or services and the international class(es) of goods and/or service (if known)
  5. If claiming a priority right to a foreign application, a formal priority claim needs to be made within 6 months of the priority date, providing the priority date, country of origin and serial number. A copy or translation of the foreign application is not required to establish the priority claim. Although a copy or translation of the foreign application is not required to establish the priority claim, an English translation must be filed if it is in a language other than English.

Depending on the type of intellectual property right, the applicable national laws, and the procedural status of a related parent application, various types of subsequent or parallel applications are available, including continuation applications, continuation-in-part (CIP) applications, divisional applications, supplemental patent applications, branched-off utility models, etc. Direct national applications can be filed in most countries, but for International Patent Applications under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), certain countries can only be pursued through a regional designation. 

 

A variety of less commonly used intellectual property rights and related forms of protection are also available, for instance plant variety rights, registered titles for magazines and newspapers, and domain name registrations. Certain intellectual property rights may be established automatically upon creation, such as copyrights, while other intellectual property rights may be established through use or disclosure, such as unregistered EU design rights, trade dress rights, and rights based on unfair competition.

Why Choose Us?

Choose SchleeIP for seamless international protection, bridging U.S. and European legal systems with over two decades of specialized patent and trademark expertise. 

Global Expertise

We bridge U.S. and European legal systems for seamless international protection.

Our Munich collaboration ensures deep local knowledge alongside American innovation support.

We dedicate exclusively to patents, trademarks, and designs across major markets.

Over two decades of securing international rights for diverse global clients.

Our Manhattan Beach location offers a prestigious setting for client consultations.

Schedule a Consultation

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Global Presence

With offices and established connections in the United States and Germany, we help clients protect their intellectual property across multiple jurisdictions with a coordinated international approach.

United States

917 Manhattan Beach Blvd. Manhattan Beach, CA 90266

Germany

Serving clients with German and European intellectual property expertise.