Compliance with time limits is an essential condition in administrative and judicial proceedings. In industrial property as well as in civil litigation, failure to observe the rules may result in the inadmissibility of a request or the loss of a right.
Starting Point
The starting point of a time limit is, in principle, the day of the act, decision, or event that triggers it (640 CPC).
End Date Calculation
All time limits expire on the last day at twenty-four hours (R618-3 CPI or 642 CPC).
Time Limit Expressed in Years / Months
When a time limit is expressed in months or years, it expires on the day of the last month or the last year that has the same date as the day of the act, event, decision, or notification that triggers the time limit. If there is no identical date, the time limit expires on the last day of the month. (R618-3 CPI or 641 CPC)
Time Limit Expressed in Days
When a time limit is expressed in days, the day of the act, event, decision, or notification that triggers it is not counted (R618-3 CPI or 641 CPC).
Combination
When a time limit is expressed in months and days, the months are counted first, followed by the days (R618-3 CPI or 641 CPC).
Extension
If the last day of the time limit is a Saturday, Sunday, or public holiday, the time limit is extended until the next working day (R618-3 CPI or 642 CPC).
Time Limits Set by INPI
Time limits set by the INPI range from 2 to 4 months (R618-4 CPI).