Filing fee reductions for patent applications in Argentina

Argentina is one of the few countries that has not yet been included in the PCT system. Since its language is Spanish, documents still need to be notarized or affixed (Apostille), which makes most applicants unfamiliar with Argentine patent applications. In patent applications, Argentina also has a patent application fee reduction system. Small and medium-sized enterprises, natural persons or research institutions such as universities can enjoy a 50% fee reduction. Specifically:

• If a natural person can prove that he or she is unable to pay the patent application fees, he or she may apply for fee exemption when filing a patent application.
• Poverty certificate: This certificate must be issued by a judicial institution and notarized.
• Sworn statement clearly stating financial status, details of all sources of income and property that can be listed
• Monthly income and financial status, providing details of wages, subsidies or other economic benefits received each month
• Financial documents from the last three months, such as pay slips, social welfare certificates, etc.
• The composition of family members living together, including spouse, children or other immediate family members, such as ID card, household registration book, etc.
• Asset information of the applicant and family members, such as real estate (houses, land); registered assets such as motor vehicles, ships, aircraft, etc.
• Bank accounts and financial services: applicants are required to list their bank accounts, credit cards, debit cards, deposits and other financial assets.
• Intangible assets: Applicants must list all intellectual and industrial property rights under their name, including patents, trademarks, copyrights and other intangible assets.
• Submission time: Fee exemption must be requested at the time of new application submission and cannot be requested later.