The protection period of a Portuguese invention patent is 20 years from the date of application. The Portuguese Patent Law defines invention as: “Invention refers to a new technical solution proposed for a product, method or improvement thereof.”
p>The application procedure for invention patents in Portugal is basically the same as that in my country. The application process is: patent application, formal examination, substantive examination, and patent authorization. However, there are slight differences in each link. After the Portuguese invention patent application is submitted, a preliminary review will be conducted within one month. If the formal requirements are not met, the applicant has a two-month correction period. After passing the preliminary examination, the patent application documents will be disclosed 18 months from the filing date (the priority date if there is a priority date). The applicant may also request for early disclosure. If no one makes the request within two months after the application is published, Objections will go directly to the substantive examination stage, but if someone raises an objection within two months, they will apply to enter the objection procedure. The authority will make a report on the examination results within one month after the expiration of the opposition period. If upon examination it is deemed that the patent right should not be granted, the applicant may state his/her defense within two months. If the defense is not accepted, the applicant shall still have One month argument period. The review report and authorization decision will be made public.