yes. Before the applicant receives the final decision, it may be proposed to change the type of invention from invention to utility model.
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)
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)
25 years
- yes. A maximum of 100 designs may be included in one Portuguese design application, provided they belong to the same class in the International Design Classification.
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.
- 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.
3 months
- 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.
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."
If the disclosure is caused by the designer, the novelty grace period is 12 months from the date of disclosure.