On October 7, 2024, the Government of Uruguay deposited its instrument of accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) with WIPO’s Director General. The PCT will enter into force for Uruguay on January 7, 2025.
The accession of Uruguay to the PCT will make it the 158th member of the PCT Union.
As from January 7, 2025, applicants and inventors in Uruguay will be able to file patent applications under the PCT as a means of seeking patent protection in PCT Contracting States.
Likewise, starting from January 7, 2025, foreign innovators and companies will be able to use the PCT System to seek patent protection for their inventions in Uruguay.
At the time of depositing the instrument of accession, Uruguay also made a reservation that it is not bound by Chapter II of the PCT. Information about Uruguay’s functioning as a PCT receiving Office and designated Office will soon be available in the PCT Applicant’s Guide.