Europe

Portugal

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

Authority

INPI — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial

PCT

31 mo

Madrid

Member

INPI Portugal Online Services

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Before You Start

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

1
Whether to pursue the Paris route, PCT national phase, or start with trademark registration in Portugal
2
Which of patent filing, trademark registration, annuity, or renewal is the most urgent priority
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 Portugal

Portuguese invention patents can be obtained through INPI (national route) or the European Patent Office (EPO). Portugal is an EPC member state and an EU member — European patents designating Portugal take effect after grant and validation; the Unitary Patent also covers Portugal. The standard patent term is 20 years from the filing date. Portugal joined the Madrid System in 1893, making it one of its founding members.

Patent Filing Routes ▾

1. **PT national patent** — Filed in Portuguese with INPI; Portugal-only protection; 2. **European patent (EPO)** — Filed via EPO, designating Portugal; validated after grant; 3. **Unitary Patent** — Unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Portugal and other participating states; 4. **PCT route** — PCT applications enter the European phase via EPO.

Source: INPI Portugal; EPO official website

Unitary Patent Coverage ▾

Portugal participates in the EU Unitary Patent. Requesting unitary effect after EPO grant covers all participating states without per-country validation, reducing total maintenance costs.

Source: EPO Unitary Patent information

Patent Term ▾

Portuguese patents have a standard term of 20 years from the filing date, subject to annual maintenance fees.

Source: INPI Portugal; EPO

Utility Model ▾

Portugal has a utility model system suitable for simpler technical inventions requiring faster protection. See INPI for specific term and examination details.

Source: INPI Portugal official website

Trademark System & Process

Trademark System in Portugal

Portuguese trademarks can be registered nationally via INPI, obtained as an EUTM via EUIPO, or designated in a Madrid international application. Portugal is a founding member of the Madrid System (member since 1893).

Trademark Filing Routes ▾

1. **PT national trademark** — Filed in Portuguese with INPI; Portugal only; 2. **EU Trade Mark (EUTM)** — Filed with EUIPO; covers all 27 EU states including Portugal; 3. **Madrid international application** — Portugal can be designated (member since 1893); INPI handles examination.

Source: INPI Portugal; EUIPO; WIPO Madrid

Registration Term and Renewal ▾

Portuguese national trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewable every 10 years indefinitely.

Source: INPI Portugal official website

EUTM Efficiency ▾

An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states (including Portugal) in a single application — generally more cost-effective for multi-country EU coverage.

Source: EUIPO official website

Patent Annuity

Portugal Patent Annuities

Portuguese patent annuities: European patents (including Unitary Patent) pay to EPO; national patents pay to INPI. Engage a local representative to manage your annuity schedule.

Source: INPI Portugal; EPO

Annuity Reference → Managed Annuities

Trademark Renewal

Portugal Trademark Renewals

Portuguese trademarks are valid for 10 years, renewed with INPI (national) or EUIPO (EUTM), every 10 years.

Source: INPI Portugal; EUIPO

Renewal Reference → Managed Renewals

FAQ

Common Questions — Portugal IP

Does Portugal participate in the Unitary Patent? ▾

Yes. Portugal participates in the Unitary Patent. A unitary effect request after EPO grant covers Portugal and other participating states.

Does an EUTM cover Portugal? ▾

Yes. An EUTM covers all 27 EU member states, including Portugal.

Is Portugal a long-standing member of the Madrid System? ▾

Yes. Portugal joined the Madrid System in 1893 as one of its founding members — one of the longest-standing participants.

How long does a Portuguese invention patent last? ▾

20 years from the filing date, subject to annual fees.

What is the PCT national phase deadline for Portugal? ▾

Typically 31 months from the priority date (via EPO European phase).

How long is a Portuguese trademark valid? ▾

10 years, renewable indefinitely.

Does Portugal have utility model protection? ▾

Yes. Portugal has a utility model system suitable for inventions needing faster protection.

What language is required for Portuguese IP filings? ▾

Portuguese national applications must be filed in Portuguese.

Official Reference Sources

Sources for This Page

INPI Portugal Official Website inpi.pt European Patent Office (EPO) www.epo.org EU Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) euipo.europa.eu WIPO PCT Applicant's Guide — Portugal (PT) www.wipo.int/pct/en/appguide/

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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