Trademark registration in Portugal is a crucial step to safeguard intellectual property and build a solid foundation for brand recognition in the market. The company’s identity is personified by its trademark, becoming a valuable asset. This representation plays a fundamental role in connecting with customers.
However, many entrepreneurs still underestimate its importance, and with the speed at which things happen today, they can easily be surpassed by third parties, forcing the company to reinvent its brand due to the mere negligence of not having registered its trademark.
Managed by the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), this process grants the holder the exclusive right to use, market, and protect their trademark within Portuguese territory.
By ensuring registration, trademark holders secure a legally sound position, preventing potential disputes and imitators. The National Institute of Industrial Property plays a central role in examining and granting these registrations, providing an additional layer of credibility and confidence to trademark holders, and this protection only takes effect in national territory.
However, there is the opportunity to protect your brands on different geographical scales. In the European Union, registration can be done through the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), providing comprehensive protection in all Member States. In addition, international registration, managed by the World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO), allows owners to register their trademark in all the countries of the Madrid Union or only in the countries of your choice, with a single application. These options simplify and strengthen brand protection at regional and global level, helping to consolidate identity and market presence.
Specialized legal advice is crucial in this process, guiding clients from the feasibility research stage to submission and follow-up of the application. Experienced professionals in intellectual property can maximize the chances of registration success, avoiding obstacles and ensuring comprehensive protection.
By investing in trademark registration in Portugal with the support of the specialized legal team at VCA, entrepreneurs not only strengthen their brand identity but also safeguard their investment and competitiveness in the market. This is a strategic step for any business that values the integrity of its brand and aims to establish a solid and protected presence in Portuguese territory.
Intellectual Property Department
Rita Tigeleiro Afonso | Cláudia Silva de Lima
