Portugal stood out in the European innovation landscape in 2025 by reaching its highest-ever number of European patent applications. The figures were published by the EPO as part of its updated 2025 Technology Dashboard.

This growth reinforces a positive trend seen in recent years, showing that inventive activity in the country continues to gain momentum. Even so, Portugal still lags behind other European economies when it comes to total figures.

Among the main drivers of this result are computer-related technologies, which remain at the forefront of innovation, in line with global trends. The health sector also gained relevance, particularly in medical technologies and biotechnology, while pharmaceuticals saw a slight decline.

At a regional level, the North once again led in the number of applications, accounting for the largest share. Lisbon and the Centre regions also posted solid performances, reflecting growth across different parts of the country.

Another important sign is the increasing involvement of companies, universities and research centres, highlighting a stronger connection between scientific knowledge and real-world application.

Portugal also stands out for its strong uptake of the European unitary patent system, with a usage rate well above the European average — an indication that national innovators are embracing new tools to protect their inventions.

Despite the record, the data shows there is still room for improvement, particularly in strengthening investment in research and development, which will be key for Portugal to catch up with Europe’s leading innovators.

Portugal reaches historic high in European patent applications

We are extremely proud to share that Patentree has been recognized at the Managing IP Awards, one of the most prestigious international distinctions in the field of Intellectual Property. Our team has been nominated for the “Patent Prosecution of the Year” category, a recognition that reinforces our ongoing commitment to excellence, technical rigor, and the quality of the services we provide to our clients. 

In addition, we celebrate a very special individual nomination: Anabela Carvalho, who has been shortlisted for “Practitioner of the Year (Patent & Trademark Attorney Firms)”, a distinction that recognizes her professionalism, leadership, and outstanding contribution to the field of Intellectual Property. 

Managing IP Awards

The SME Fund offers significant financial incentives to help your company protect its Intellectual Property (IP) rights.

Up to €1,000 for national patent application fees

75% reimbursement for national applications within the European Union (filing, search, examination, and publication fees)

Up to €2,500 for European patent applications

75% reimbursement for European patent applications (filing and search fees), up to €1,000
50% reimbursement for drafting and submission costs, up to €1,500

Trademarks, Designs or Models (Voucher 2)

Up to €700 reimbursement of registration fees

75% reimbursement for national, regional, and EU registrations

50% reimbursement for international registrations

IP Scan – Pre-diagnostic of Industrial Property (Voucher 1)

75% reimbursement for registration and examination fees of plant varieties, up to €1,500

The application period runs from February 2 to December 4, 2026, and vouchers will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis.

For a smooth and hassle-free process, Patentree can handle the entire application on your behalf.

If you would like more information or a tailored assessment, we are available to schedule a meeting and explore the best strategies for your case.

SME Fund 2026

EPO Updates Official Fees from April 2026

The European Patent Office (EPO) has announced a revision of the official fees applicable to European patent procedures, effective 1 April 2026.

Overall, most fees—including search, examination, designation, grant, and renewal fees—will see a moderate increase. Some fees, however, will remain unchanged.

A transitional period is also foreseen, allowing, in certain cases, differences in amounts to be regularized without loss of rights if payments are made based on the current fees.

What does this mean in practice?
This change may affect the planning of costs related to your patent applications and portfolios. In some cases, it may be beneficial to anticipate certain actions before the new fees come into effect.

If you have any questions about how these changes may impact your processes, our team is available to review each situation in detail.

EPO Fee Update 2026

The SME Fund 2025 was officially launched on 03 February 2025.

This initiative offers significant financial incentives to help your company protect 
its Intellectual Property (IP) rights.

The grants are aimed at companies that fulfil the EU definition of SMEs.

The main indicators for these companies are:
- having fewer than 250 employees, and
- an annual turnover of less than or equal to 50 million euros or an annual balance 
sheet total of less than or equal to 43 million euros.

They can also apply:
- Self-employed workers (freelancers), as long as they file an official certificate 
proving that they carry out an economic activity;
- Foundations with less than 25 per cent public capital.

Voucher 1 - IP Scan
Industrial Property Pre-Diagnostic Service (IP Scan) with a 90% refund, up to 
€810.00

Voucher 2 - Trade Marks, Designs or Models
Up to €700.00 reimbursement of registration fees.
75% refund for national, regional and EU registrations
50% refund for international registrations

Voucher 3 - Patents
Up to €1,000.00 for patent application fees
75% refund on national applications in the European Union (filing, search, 
examination and publication fees)
75% reimbursement for European patent applications (filing and search 
fees)
Up to €1,500.00 for costs with European patent agents
50% reimbursement on drafting and submission

Voucher 4 - Community Plant Varieties
Up to €1,500.00 for plant variety registration and examination fees, with 
75% reimbursement

The application period runs from 3 February to 5 December 2025, and vouchers 
will be awarded in order of application. We recommend that you apply as soon as 
possible!

You can apply directly via this link - https://euipo.europa.eu/sme-fund-2025/user/login?destination=/sme-fund-2025/

If you prefer an agile and unbureaucratic process, Patentree can handle the entire 
application for you.

If you would like more information or a personalised analysis, we are available to 
arrange a meeting and explore the best strategies for your case.

SME Fund 2025

The recent co-operation agreement between the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) and the European Patent Office (EPO) introduces a valuable new option for patent applications in Portugal. It will now be possible to request that search reports with written opinions be carried out by EPO examiners.

This novelty brings several important advantages:

• Benefit from the experience of highly specialised EPO examiners.

• Faster preparation, ensuring greater efficiency for applicants.

• A more solid basis for entering the European phase, supported by robust documentation that analyses the patentability requirements in detail, including novelty, inventive step and industrial application.

This collaboration between the INPI and the EPO reinforces the commitment to offering high quality services to users of the industrial property system and for those using the system, it represents an opportunity to strengthen their intellectual property strategy both nationally and internationally.

Co-operation agreement between INPI and EPO

It came into force the new EU Directive 2024/2823, which introduces significant changes to the rules on design protection. These changes aim to simplify procedures, modernize terminology and extend the rights of holders.


• Legislation updated to better reflect innovations in design.

• Faster and simplified registration procedures.

• Protection extended to include elements related to digital design and non-visible elements of the product's exterior.

• Changes to design invalidity procedures


The EU Directive is available in the following site: https://eur-lex.europa.eu/eli/dir/2024/2823/oj/eng



Important Updates on Designs in the EU

The Milan headquarters of the Central Division of the Unified Patent Court was officially launched on, 27th of June.
 

This new section will handle cases related to "Human Needs" (IPC class A), which covers a broad range of patents, including:

* Agriculture
* Food and tobacco
* Personal and household items
* Rescue and fun
* Sports and games
 

The competencies were redistributed as follows: 
Milan: patents of section A (Human Needs: agriculture, food products, tobacco, etc) without Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs)
 

Paris: patents of sections B (Execution of operations; Transport), D (Textiles), E (Buildings), G (Physics), H (Electricity), SPCs (classes A and C)
 

Munich : patents of section C (Chemistry and metallurgy) without SPCs, and section F (mechanical engineering; lighting; heating; weapons; explosives).


Unified Patent Court

On 31 May 2024, Romania officially deposited its instrument of ratification for the Agreement on a Unified Patent Court (UPCA). This milestone means that Romania will accede to the UPC on 1 September 2024, becoming its 18th member state!

This significant step enhances the unified patent system, contributing to a more streamlined and effective patent protection across European Union.

Read the full statement here: https://lnkd.in/ekty_jxz 

Porto

Lisboa

News

Porto

Lisboa