Market commentators describe the Portuguese IP market as largely stable, with extensive opportunities in pharmaceutical patent practices owing to its favourable environment for research and universities. Practitioners await the introduction of the Unified Patent Court, which is due to enter into force in June 2023. The absence of safety net...

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Market commentators describe the Portuguese IP market as largely stable, with extensive opportunities in pharmaceutical patent practices owing to its favourable environment for research and universities. Practitioners await the introduction of the Unified Patent Court, which is due to enter into force in June 2023. The absence of safety net provisions surrounding the unitary effect for a granted European patent is a concern for some practitioners, who fear that this could lead to a decrease in national patents. However, others hope that this change will provide opportunities for cheaper and increased protections for clients. In addition, the configuration of the Portuguese IP Court experienced significant changes in September 2022, leading to some in the IP community expressing concern regarding the potential for unstable legal doctrines.

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