Uruguay formally acceding to the PCT
In breaking news, we can announce that Uruguay will deposit its instrument of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty on 7 October 2024, and the agreement will enter into force 3 months later, on 7 January 2025. Uruguay will become the 158th member state of the PCT, joining other Latin American countries such as Mexico, Brazil and Colombia, and its accession is expected to have a significant impact on the Southern Cone region. Argentina and Paraguay, as well as Bolivia and Venezuela, are not yet members of the PCT, and it is hoped that they will follow Uruguay’s lead in this regard in the near future.
Uruguay’s accession to the PCT represents a culmination of the country’s efforts to support locally generated inventions, foster investment, create new business opportunities, and elevate Uruguay’s position in the international patent arena.
In the coming months, the IPO will hold training sessions to help users familiarise themselves with the implementation of the PCT and will provide information on the practical aspects of filing such applications in the country. We would be pleased to answer any questions that you may have, as and when the information becomes available.
