Patents | Utility Models

We assist inventors and companies in defining, drafting and finding the adequate protection for their inventions. In particular we may conduct searches, freedom to operate analysis, advise on protection strategies for an invention, file and prosecute patent and utility model applications, perform national validation and maintenance acts and help in the management of our client's inventions portfolio.

Portuguese utility models may be used to protect inventions and provide rights identical to a patent. The main differences are a quicker granting procedure, an easier substantive examination, (a less difficult test for inventive step) and a shorter duration of protection (up to 10 years counted from the application date).

Patents and utility models are company assets that can be traded or used as collaterals. Our legal team is ready to assist clients in the transference or licensing of their patents or utility models, as well as in infringement, enforcement and litigation matters.

We represent clients before the Portuguese Industrial Property Office and international bodies such as the European Patent Office (European Patents) and WIPO (PCT).