INPI only conducts formality examination of utility model patent applications. Substantive examination may only be requested if the applicant deems it necessary. An invention protected by a patent can be protected simultaneously or successively with a utility model. To this end, applicants have a maximum of 1 year to make changes.
no
INPI only conducts formality examination of design patent applications.
The initial protection is 6 years, which can be extended twice, up to a maximum of 10 years.
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.
- via Paris Convention : 6 months from earliest priority date.
- Hague Agreement route: 6 months from earliest priority date.
- EU appearance route: 6 months from the earliest priority date.
no
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
- via Paris Convention : 12 months from earliest priority date.
- via Nationalization of PCT : 30 months from the earliest priority date.
Portuguese National Institute of Industrial Property
English: Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPI)
URL: https://inpi.justica.gov.pt/
Portuguese Utility Model Patent Search: Pesquisa Online - Patentes (justica.gov.pt)
