REQUIREMENTS FOR AN INVENTION PATENT REGISTRATION IN PANAMA
Any person, whether natural or juridical, national or foreign, may obtain the registration of a patent of invention in the Republic of Panama. This registration will warrantee them the exclusive rights over the mentioned invention for a maximum period of twenty (20) years in the case of national patents or maximum period of fifteen (15) years in the case of foreign patents.
Foreign patents can be registered in the Republic of Panama, as patents of confirmation or patents of revalidation for period of time not greater than fifteen (15) years. In the event that the foreign registration of the patent was given for shorter period of time than the one mentioned above, the Panamanian privilege of registration will be awarded for same period of time. When dealing with pharmaceutical patents, the registration period is of five (5) years and it is very difficult to get an extension on this registration.
The documents required to register a patent of invention in the Republic of Panama are as follow:
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Power of Attorney. If the inventor of the patent has conveyed the invention rights to a corporation, both parties must sign the mentioned Power of Attorney.
- Two (2) copies of specifications and replevin of the invention in Spanish.
- A design or drawing of the invention.
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Certified copy of the Registration Certificated of the Patent in the country of origin. If the title deed of registration has not been issued, it is permitted to proceed with a copy of the registration petition
If the registration petition presented in the Republic of Panama is based on its foreign registration, the corresponding Certificate of Basic Foreign Registry must be presented in Panama in order for the Panamanian registration to be granted. If the foreign registration is not awarded and presented within a year of the petition date in Panama , the said petition will expire unless certification of its continuing handling in the country of origin is presented.
All documents issued abroad must be in Spanish language and duly legalized before the pertinent Panamanian Consulate or bear the Apostille Seal.
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