no
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.
2-3 years
INPI conducts formality examination and substantive examination of invention patent applications. Substantive examination begins automatically, without the need to file a separate request.
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
Filing Language: Portuguese Necessary documents:
- Exterior Design Picture (Six Views)
- A Brief Description
Attachments (if any):
- Power of Attorney
- Certified Priority Document
- Declaration of Ownership/Certification of Employment/Assignment of priority
- Assignment for Patent Right Transfer
The initial protection is 6 years, which can be extended twice, up to a maximum of 10 years.
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)
- 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.
- 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.
Whether a Portuguese industrial design application can apply for a combined appearance
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.