_{Formal criteria: Correct submission of documents in terms of completeness and technical accuracy of the content.}

_{What is NOT examined? Whether the invention is actually new, whether there is an inventive step, or whether the rights of third parties are infringed. It is merely registered.}

_{Optional: Upon request, the offices will carry out a prior art search for a fee}

_{For Germany: The Office checks whether the formal requirements are met and whether there are any legal grounds for refusal (e.g. lack of distinctiveness). Important: During the registration process, the Office does not automatically check whether the trade mark is already being used by someone else. You must carry out a search for earlier trade marks yourself or through a solicitor.}

_{An examination is carried out to determine whether a design is formally eligible for registration (e.g. whether it is contrary to public policy). Important: Substantive criteria such as novelty and individual character are not automatically assessed. This is only done in the event of a dispute by the civil courts. Prior to the registration, the applicant themselves or a patent attorney checks databases to see whether any earlier, identical designs already exist.}