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Argentina

AR

Patent system, trademark registration, annuity management, and renewals in Argentina.

Authority

INPI — Instituto Nacional de la Propiedad Industrial

PCT

30 mo

Madrid

Member

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INPI Argentina Patent & Trademark Database
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Before You Start

Before filing or quoting, you'll typically confirm these first

  1. 1

    Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Argentina

  2. 2

    Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority

  3. 3

    Whether to verify the official portal, search system, and key deadlines before moving to a quote or engagement

The sections below cover each module — use the navigation to jump directly to what you need.

Patent System & Process

Patent System in Argentina

Argentine invention patents are administered by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), using a first-to-file system with a standard 20-year term from the filing date. Argentina is a PCT member state; national phase entry is typically within 30 months of the priority date (confirm with the latest WIPO PCT Guide). Argentina has an independent national examination system; examination timelines can be longer than in some other major markets and should be factored into planning. Argentina joined the Madrid Protocol in 2019, making international trademark filing more streamlined.

Filing Requirements ▾
Argentine invention patent applications typically require: application form, specification, claims, abstract, drawings (if applicable), and priority documents (when claiming priority). Filing language is Spanish; PCT entry requires a Spanish translation. Non-residents of Argentina must appoint a locally registered patent agent to file and prosecute.

Source: INPI Argentina official website

Patent Term ▾
The standard term for Argentine invention patents is 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees. Argentina also has a utility model (Modelo de Utilidad) system with a typical 10-year term.

Source: INPI Argentina official website; Argentine Patent Law

PCT National Phase Entry in Argentina ▾
PCT national phase entry in Argentina is typically within 30 months of the priority date (recommend verifying the latest WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide for Argentina, as deadlines may be updated). A Spanish translation is required upon entry. **Examination timeline note:** INPI Argentina's substantive examination timeline can be longer than at some major patent offices — factor this into your patent strategy planning.

Source: WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (AR)

Novelty Grace Period ▾
Argentina has some novelty grace period provisions, but specific conditions and timing must be confirmed case by case. Filing before public disclosure is strongly recommended rather than relying on the grace period.

Source: INPI Argentina official website

Patent Annuities ▾
Argentine patent annuities must be paid within specified deadlines to keep the patent in force. INPI publishes official fee schedules by year, with fees generally increasing over time. Set up an annuity calendar early.

Source: INPI Argentina official fee schedule

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Argentina

Argentine trademarks are administered by INPI, using a registration-based, first-to-file system. Argentina joined the Madrid Protocol on November 25, 2019 — before this date, only direct national applications were possible. Argentina's trademark system requires genuine commercial use; marks unused for 5 consecutive years are at risk of cancellation.

Madrid Protocol — Joined 2019 ▾
Argentina joined the Madrid Protocol on November 25, 2019 — a significant recent change to the international trademark filing landscape. Argentina can now be designated in Madrid international trademark applications, greatly simplifying multi-country Latin American trademark coverage. Before 2019, only direct national applications were possible in Argentina; now both routes are available.

Source: WIPO Madrid member information — Argentina

Use Requirements ▾
Argentina requires genuine commercial use of trademarks after registration. A trademark unused in Argentina for 5 consecutive years may be subject to a third-party cancellation for non-use. Plan trademark use management alongside your Argentina market entry strategy.

Source: INPI Argentina trademark guidance

Registration Term and Renewal ▾
Argentine trademark registrations are typically valid for 10 years and renewable. Late renewal incurs additional fees. At renewal time, verify whether registrant information or the scope of goods/services needs updating.

Source: INPI Argentina official website

Local Agent Requirement ▾
Non-residents of Argentina must appoint a locally registered trademark agent for INPI filings. Even for Madrid designations of Argentina, subsequent communications with INPI (such as office action responses) must be handled through a local agent.

Source: INPI Argentina official website

Multi-Class Applications ▾
Argentina uses the Nice Classification system and supports multi-class applications, with fees increasing per class.

Source: INPI Argentina official website

Patent Annuity

Argentina Patent Annuities

Argentine patent annuities must be paid on time to maintain patent validity. INPI publishes the official fee schedule with fees increasing by year band. Annuity management in Argentina must go through a local agent — set up reminders well in advance.

Source: INPI Argentina official fee schedule

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Argentina Trademark Renewals

Argentine trademarks are valid for 10 years. Renewal must typically be filed before expiry; late renewal incurs additional fees. At renewal, verify registrant details, goods/services scope, and whether any brand restructuring is taking place.

Source: INPI Argentina official website

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Argentina IP

How long does an Argentine invention patent last? ▾
Typically 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual fees.
What is the PCT national phase deadline for Argentina? ▾
Typically 30 months from the priority date, with a Spanish translation required. Verify the latest WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide before filing.
Can I now file a trademark for Argentina through the Madrid System? ▾
Yes. Argentina joined the Madrid Protocol on November 25, 2019 and can now be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.
How long is an Argentine trademark registration valid? ▾
Typically 10 years, renewable.
Can an Argentine trademark be cancelled for non-use? ▾
Yes. 5 consecutive years of non-use after registration may expose the mark to cancellation proceedings by third parties.
How long does Argentine patent examination take? ▾
INPI Argentina's substantive examination can take considerable time, varying by technology field and when filed. Factor in longer examination timelines when planning Latin American patent strategy.
Is a local agent required to file patents or trademarks in Argentina? ▾
Yes. Non-residents of Argentina must appoint a locally registered patent or trademark agent.
Does Argentina have utility model protection? ▾
Yes. Argentina has a utility model (Modelo de Utilidad) system with a typical 10-year term, suitable for incremental innovations.
What is the official language for Argentine patent applications? ▾
Spanish. PCT national phase entry in Argentina requires a Spanish translation.
Does Argentina have a patent novelty grace period? ▾
Argentina has some grace period provisions, but conditions must be confirmed case by case. Filing before public disclosure is strongly recommended.
Is Argentina a PCT member state? ▾
Yes. Argentina is a PCT member state and national phase entry via PCT is available.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

INPI Argentina Official Website www.argentina.gob.ar/inpi WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Argentina (AR) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid Member Info — Argentina www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/ WIPO Country IP Profile — Argentina www.wipo.int/tools/en/gsearch.html#/

Content based on official sources above, last reviewed: 2026-04. In case of discrepancy with the latest official publications, official sources prevail.

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