Patents Laws in Trinidad and Tobago
Trinidad and Tobago offers a well-structured patent system governed by the Patents Act, Chapter 82:76, which aligns with international standards, including the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT). This framework facilitates both national and international patent protection for inventors.(
📝 Patent Application Process
1. Filing the Application
Where to File: Submit applications to the Intellectual Property Office at 3rd Floor, Capital Plaza, 11–13 Frederick Street, Port of Spain.
Required Documents:
Completed Patent Application Form.
Detailed specification of the invention, including:
Description
Claims
Abstract
Drawings (if necessary)
Power of Attorney (if represented by an agent).
Statutory Declaration (if applicant is not the inventor).
Official English translation of the international application (if applicable) .
Formalities Examination: Ensures compliance with filing requirements.
Substantive Examination: Assesses novelty, inventive step, and industrial applicability.
Publication: Granted patents are published in the Newsday newspaper.
Issuance of Certificate: A certificate of grant is issued upon approval .
3. Fees
Application Fee: TT$2,000.
Search and Examination Fee: TT$1,500.
Grant and Publication Fee: TT$500.
Annual Maintenance Fees (starting from the 2nd year):
2nd year: TT$200
3rd year: TT$400
4th year: TT$400
5th year: TT$600
6th year: TT$900
7th year: TT$1,200
8th year: TT$1,600
9th year: TT$2,000
10th year: TT$2,400
11th year: TT$3,200
12th year: TT$4,200
13th year: TT$5,200
14th year: TT$6,200
15th year: TT$7,200
16th year: TT$8,400
17th year: TT$9,600
18th year: TT$10,800
19th year: TT$12,000
20th year: TT$13,200 .
4. Processing Time
Estimated Duration: Approximately 12 to 18 months, including a 3-month publication and opposition period .
🌍 International Protection
Trinidad and Tobago is a member of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), allowing inventors to file a single international application seeking patent protection in multiple countries. Additionally, the country recognizes patents filed under the Paris Convention, enabling the re-registration of foreign patents claiming priority from an earlier filing date
🛡️ Utility Certificates
For inventions requiring a lower inventive step, Trinidad and Tobago offers Utility Certificates as an alternative to patents. These provide similar protection but with:
A shorter term of protection (10 years).
Lower maintenance fees
A simpler application process .
⚠️ Important Considerations
Disclosure: Publicly disclosing your invention before filing can jeopardize patentability. It's advisable to file a patent application before any public disclosure.
International Filing: If seeking protection in multiple countries, consider filing through the PCT to streamline the process .
RELATED Blog
0 comments