Portugal (INPIPT) trademark application success rates

For businesses seeking to protect their brands on the Iberian Peninsula, Portugal’s trademark system provides an important gateway. Below is a five-year overview of trademark application outcomes at the Portuguese Institute of Industrial Property (INPIPT) and best practices for successful registration.

By

Igor Demcak

Trademark protection wherever you need it

Application success rate at Portugal’s INPIPT: 5-year overview

From 2019 through 2023, Portugal’s trademark applications achieved an average success rate of 69.49%. The success rate has steadily improved year over year, starting at 67.90% in 2019 and rising to nearly 71% by 2023, reflecting gradual enhancements in the trademark registration process.

Applications filed in

Registered

Filed

Success rate

2019

14,693

21,640

67.90%

2020

14,720

21,470

68.56%

2021

16,784

23,987

69.97%

2022

14,184

20,233

70.10%

2023

14,846

20,919

70.97%

Total (average)

75,227

108,249

69.49%

Portugal trademark application success rate

Comparison to major IP Offices in the region

Portugal’s average trademark application success rate of 69.49% places it slightly below many Western European neighbors such as Germany (71.38%) and France (88.85%), but above some bigger global economies such as Brazil (51.15%). Find out more about how this trademark office compares globally in our full report on trademark success rates worldwide.

Country

Office code

Success rate

Portugal

INPIPT

69.49%

Germany

DPMA

71.38%

France

INPI

88.85

Brazil

NPI

51.15

The European Union

EUIPO

90.80%

Several key factors contribute to Portugal’s steady but moderate trademark registration success:

Evolving examination procedures

Portugal has been modernizing its trademark examination and opposition procedures to improve efficiency and reduce unnecessary refusals. This ongoing evolution is reflected in the gradual rise in approval rates over the last five years.

Legal and administrative framework

INPIPT follows the guidelines set by the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO) and international treaties, providing a solid foundation. However, some challenges remain regarding the interpretation of distinctiveness and likelihood of confusion, which can affect approval.

Volume and applicant profiles

Portugal’s trademark office manages a moderate volume of applications, mostly from domestic businesses and international filers entering the Iberian market. Variability in applicant experience impacts the quality of submissions, which in turn influences the success rate.

How to maximize your chances of registration success in Portugal

Despite a relatively high success rate of 69.49%, registering a trademark in Portugal requires some preparation and understanding of INPIPT procedures. To improve your likelihood of approval, it’s recommended to begin with a comprehensive trademark search to identify any potential conflicts. Ensure that your mark is distinctive and not merely descriptive, and clearly define the goods and services associated with your application.

Working with a qualified trademark lawyer is one of the most effective ways to increase your chances. A trademark lawyer can help navigate the complexities of the INPIPT process, respond effectively to Office Actions, and build a solid filing strategy from the start.

If you are currently preparing to submit your first trademark application, we’ve put together a detailed guide on how to strengthen your chances of success, with multiple pieces of advice directly from our trademark lawyers with years of experience. You can also take advantage of Trama’s free lawyer’s check to receive expert feedback on your trademark and guidance on the best steps forward.

Igor Demcak
Igor Demcak

Trademark Attorney

Founder of Trama

7 year experience in IP protection

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