Applicants will soon be able to obtain patent protection in Italy directly via an international PCT application.

Italian Law No. 34/2019 – in force since 30 June 2019 – has confirmed Legislative Decree No. 34/2019 which had recently introduced an important change in the procedure to obtain an Italian patent via an international PCT application.

So far, the only way to obtain patent protection in Italy by means of an international PCT application was via a European patent which would then be validated in Italy.

By amending the Italian Industrial Property Code, the new legislation has now also made it possible to obtain an Italian patent via an international PCT application by opening an Italian national phase directly.

This simplification brings obvious advantages, including a reduction of time and cost.

However, before the new provision can take effect further implementation rules must be issued by the Ministry for Economic Development.

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