• Patent fees

Fees associated with filing patent applications in Latvia as well as other patent fees are available in the fee calculator.

• Term for filing a patent application in Latvia

The deadline for filing an application for patent registration in Latvia claiming priority is 12 months from the priority date. Extension or restoration is not stipulated.

• Minimum filing requirements in Latvia

To obtain a filing date, it is necessary to provide the Latvian Patent Office with a request to grant a patent together with information about the applicant(s) in Latvian and materials that make an impression of the description of an invention in any language.

• Language of the Latvian patent application

The request to grant a patent must be filed in Latvian; the application materials may be filed in another language; however, the translation thereof must be submitted within two months.

• Priority document

A certified copy of the priority application may be filed within 16 months from the date of an earlier priority.

• Power of Attorney requirements

The legalisation or notarization of a Power of Attorney is not required. It may be provided within three months from filing date.

• Substantive examination request

There is no substantive examination stipulated in Latvia. The patent application is examined according to formal requirements only.

• Novelty grace period

Disclosure of the information on the invention does not disprove its novelty if it occurred within 6 months before the filing date because a fraudulent action against the applicant; or demonstration of the invention of the applicant has taken place in an official international exhibition.

• Grant and patent maintenance fees

The official fees for publication and grant must be paid within three months from the date of issuance of the decision to grant a patent. Annuities should be paid for each year following the year of grant of a patent. The due date is the last day of the month on which the filing date anniversary falls. Annuities may be paid within a 6-month grace period provided that a surcharge is paid.

• Time limits for amending the application

Amendments can be made until the date when the Notice of Allowance is published by the Latvian Patent Office.

• Representation by a patent attorney

For foreign patent applicants, it is necessary to perform the patent prosecution in Latvia through an agent, a registered Latvian patent attorney.

• Notes 

1. Online search database for European Patents (EPO).
2. Patent protection in Latvia may also be obtained via European Patent registration and its further validation in Latvia.
3. Protection of inventions as utility models in Latvia is not possible.

Brief summary is based on the information provided by Mikhailyuk, Sorokolat & Partners on 09.04.2024
Please contact us if the above information is not in conformity with Latvian IP Laws