Patents Laws in Lithuania
Here's a detailed overview of patent laws in Lithuania:
🔹 Patent Laws in Lithuania
1. Governing Law
Patents in Lithuania are governed by the Patent Law of the Republic of Lithuania, effective since 1994, and regularly updated.
Administered by the State Patent Bureau of the Republic of Lithuania (SPB).
2. Types of Patent Protection
National Patents: Filed directly with the Lithuanian SPB.
European Patents: Lithuania is a member of the European Patent Convention (EPC) — European patents can be validated in Lithuania.
PCT (Patent Cooperation Treaty): Lithuania is a contracting state; international patent applications can enter the national phase in Lithuania.
3. Patentability Criteria
To be patentable in Lithuania, an invention must:
Be novel (not disclosed publicly before the filing date),
Have an inventive step (not obvious to a skilled person),
Be industrially applicable (usable in industry or commerce).
4. Patent Term
20 years from the filing date, subject to payment of annual fees.
Supplementary Protection Certificates (SPCs) are available for pharmaceutical and plant protection products.
5. Application Process
File with the State Patent Bureau (for national patents).
Can claim priority under the Paris Convention (within 12 months).
Applications are published 18 months after the filing or priority date.
Substantive examination must be requested for the patent to be granted.
6. Language
Applications must be filed in Lithuanian.
For European patents, a Lithuanian translation of the claims must be submitted.
7. Patent Enforcement
Patents can be enforced in Lithuanian civil courts.
Remedies include injunctions, damages, destruction of infringing goods, and other civil remedies.
8. International Treaties
Lithuania is a member of:
European Patent Convention (EPC)
Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT)
Paris Convention
TRIPS Agreement (WTO member)
✅ Summary Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Governing Law | Lithuanian Patent Law |
| Administering Authority | State Patent Bureau (SPB) |
| Filing Options | National, European, PCT routes |
| Patent Term | 20 years from filing |
| Language Requirement | Lithuanian |
| European Patent Validity | Yes, upon validation and translation |
| SPC Availability | Yes, for pharma and agrochemical products |
| Enforcement | National courts |
| Treaties | EPC, PCT, Paris Convention, TRIPS |
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