The initial protection is 6 years, which can be extended twice, up to a maximum of 10 years.
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.
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.
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."
- 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.
Reinstatement of priority is accepted on grounds of "due care."
yes. Before the applicant receives the final decision, it may be proposed to change the type of invention from invention to utility model.
The initial protection is 6 years, which can be extended twice, up to a maximum of 10 years.
no
If the disclosure is caused by the designer, the novelty grace period is 12 months from the date of disclosure.