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Chile

CL

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

Authority

INAPI — Instituto Nacional de Propiedad Industrial

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

Search

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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 Chile

  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 Chile

Chilean invention patents are administered by INAPI under the Industrial Property Law (Law No. 19.039 as amended), using a first-to-file system. Chile joined the PCT in 2009 and the Madrid Protocol in 2012. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date. Chile is among the more developed and rigorous IP systems in Latin America.

Patent Filing Routes ▾
1. **Direct national filing with INAPI** — Filed in Spanish; Chile-only protection; 2. **PCT national phase entry** — Chile joined PCT in 2009; national phase entry deadline is typically 31 months from the priority date.

Source: INAPI; WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide (CL)

Patent Term ▾
Chilean invention patents are valid for 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: INAPI; Industrial Property Law No. 19.039

Utility Model ▾
Chile has a utility model system for simpler technical improvements, with a shorter term and simpler examination procedure. See INAPI for specific rules.

Source: INAPI official website

Substantive Examination ▾
Chilean invention patents require substantive examination by INAPI. Applicants must respond to office actions (OA) within prescribed timeframes. Examination periods can be lengthy — early filing and PCT route are recommended to preserve priority.

Source: INAPI official website

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Chile

Chilean trademarks are administered by INAPI using a first-to-file system. Chile joined the Madrid Protocol in 2012, enabling Madrid international applications with Chile as a designated state.

Trademark Filing Routes ▾
1. **Direct national application with INAPI** — Filed in Spanish; Chile only; 2. **Madrid System designating CL** — Chile joined the Madrid Protocol on July 4, 2012 and can be designated.

Source: INAPI; WIPO Madrid member information

Registration Term and Renewal ▾
Chilean trademark registrations are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: INAPI official website

Trademark Use Requirements ▾
Chilean trademarks must be genuinely used within a prescribed period after registration, or they may be subject to cancellation proceedings for non-use.

Source: INAPI; Industrial Property Law No. 19.039

Multi-Class Applications ▾
Chile uses the Nice Classification and supports multi-class applications, with fees per class designation.

Source: INAPI official website

Patent Annuity

Chile Patent Annuities

Chilean patent annuities are paid to INAPI on schedule to maintain patent validity. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: INAPI official website

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Chile Trademark Renewals

Chilean trademarks are valid for 10 years. Renewal must be filed with INAPI before expiry.

Source: INAPI official website

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Chile IP

When did Chile join the PCT? ▾
Chile joined the PCT in 2009. The national phase entry deadline is typically 31 months from the priority date.
Does Chile support Madrid System trademark applications? ▾
Yes. Chile joined the Madrid Protocol on July 4, 2012 and can be designated in Madrid international trademark applications.
How long does a Chilean invention patent last? ▾
20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.
How long is a Chilean trademark valid? ▾
10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.
Does Chile have utility model protection? ▾
Yes. Chile has a utility model system suitable for simpler technical improvements, with a shorter term and simpler examination requirements.
What language is required for Chilean IP filings? ▾
Chilean national applications must be filed in Spanish.
How does Chile's IP system compare in Latin America? ▾
Chile has one of the more developed and rigorous IP systems in Latin America — INAPI's examination quality and efficiency are relatively advanced in the region.
Is a local agent required in Chile? ▾
Non-residents typically must engage a locally authorized patent or trademark agent recognized by INAPI to file applications.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

INAPI Official Website www.inapi.cl WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Chile (CL) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/ WIPO Madrid Member Info — Chile www.wipo.int/madrid/en/members/ WIPO — Chile Country Profile www.wipo.int/wipolex/en/profile?code=CL

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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