What we do
We manage patent and utility model applications from the initial assessment and filing through prosecution, grant and maintenance, coordinating with foreign agents and firms where corresponding applications exist in other jurisdictions.
- Preliminary assessment of the most suitable route: patent of invention or utility model.
- Filing of national applications before DINAPI, claiming Paris Convention priority where applicable.
- Adaptation of foreign application documents to Paraguayan formal requirements, including translations.
- Prosecution: monitoring of examination and responses to office requirements and observations.
- Payment and control of annuities, recordal of assignments and licences.
- Defence and enforcement actions in coordination with our litigation practice.
Key facts
How protection works
A patent of invention protects product or process inventions that meet the requirements of novelty, inventive step and industrial applicability. A utility model protects certain innovations relating to the shape, configuration or arrangement of the elements of objects, tools, instruments or mechanisms that allow better or different operation, use or manufacture, or that provide a utility or technical effect they did not previously have.
Paraguay is not a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). Protection in Paraguay must therefore be obtained through a national application before DINAPI. Where an earlier foreign application exists, the corresponding priority may be claimed under the Paris Convention, provided the Paraguayan application is filed within the applicable period.
For international clients and foreign associates
We take instructions from patent attorneys and foreign firms for the filing and prosecution of national applications in Paraguay, including applications claiming foreign priority under the Paris Convention. We set out from the outset the applicable requirements, documentation and costs, and report on the various stages of the procedure before DINAPI.
