Public ID: PID-9L24EB

Uruguay accedes to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)

in Uruguay

Trade barrier summary

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) provides a unified procedure that allows inventors to seek patent protection for an invention simultaneously in all member countries. Previously, Uruguay was not a member of the PCT, meaning businesses had to file separate patent applications specifically for the Uruguayan market. This process created additional cost and administrative burden for UK businesses.

Following engagement from the UK government, Uruguay has now acceded to the PCT. This change will allow UK innovators and businesses to submit a single international patent application that can cover all PCT member states, including Uruguay, making the process simpler, faster and more efficient.

---

Sectors affected

• Pharmaceuticals and biotechnology

---

Resolved

Yes - January 2025

---

Date reported

6 June 2024

---

Last updated

20 May 2026

---

Public ID

PID-9L24EB

---

If a trade barrier is affecting your exports or investment from the UK, please let us know on report a trade barrier .

If you export goods you can check duties and customs procedures for your chosen market.