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

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.

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)

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 : 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.

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

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

no

• Licensing Fee: None.
• Annuity: pay once every 5 years, and must be paid within 6 months before the due date of the application. If the annual fee is overdue, it can be paid within a grace period of 6 months, and a 50% penalty is required.

If the disclosure is caused by the designer, the novelty grace period is 12 months from the date of disclosure.