Upholding rights in due time 

After the grant of a patent, there is a specified time period during which anyone can oppose it. If no opposition is filed, the patent becomes legally valid and is retroactively valid from the filing date for the maximum period of validity.

Opposition enables individuals to challenge the legal granting of the patent by citing reasons. Following a review of the opposition, the patent may be maintained, limited, or revoked. In order to oppose a patent, it is necessary to have the necessary resources and means to challenge the novelty or inventive step of the patent.