With the purpose of expediting the patent examination process Uruguay’s Patent Office (DNPI) has implemented a procedure for the Prompt Decision of Patents (PRP) which will be available as from October 1, 2021
DNPI’s Decision 11/2021 which implements the new procedure allows DNPI Examiners to use the results of substantive examinations previously conducted by other national or regional patent offices provided these results refer to the same invention and the patent in question has already been granted.
Uruguayan applications that have been published and are awaiting examination will be eligible for the PRP the Uruguayan application must have been provided examination fees have been paid and the examination report has not been notified to the applicant.
This procedure will be of great advantage to applicants as, once DNPI confirms that the requirements have been met and accepts the PRP request there is a máximum of 60 days to perform the examination.
It is to be expected that this mechanism will allow DNPI to substantially reduce the application process as well as the current examination backlog thus granting patent owners a more effective protection of their rights.