Which is the competent authority for patent applications for inventions in Portugal?

• via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
• via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
• Validation of European Patent in EPO member states: within 3 months from the date of granted of the European invention.

The initial protection is 6 years, which can be extended twice, up to a maximum of 10 years.

INPI conducts formality examination and substantive examination of invention patent applications. Substantive examination begins automatically, without the need to file a separate request.

Portuguese National Institute of Industrial Property

English: Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property, abbreviation: INPI

URL: https://inpi.justica.gov.pt/

Portuguese invention patent search: Pesquisa Online - Patentes (justica.gov.pt)

Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."

yes. Before the applicant has received a final decision, an application to change the type of invention from a utility model to an invention may be proposed.

20 years

A novelty grace period of 6 months is available if:

• Disclosures caused at officially organized or officially sanctioned international exhibitions
• Disclosure resulting from being made public for reasons related to the misuse of the inventor or its predecessor owner

2-3 years

yes. Before the applicant receives the final decision, it may be proposed to change the type of invention from invention to utility model.