Argentina moves closer to PCT accession

Written By Louise Audhlam-Gardiner

Argentina has taken a major step towards joining the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), with the Chamber of Deputies approving accession legislation on 26 August 2026.   Whilst the bill must still return to the Senate for approval due to a reservation excluding Chapter II of the Treaty, this is the most significant progress towards PCT membership since 1998.

For patent applicants, accession will be an important and positive development.  It will allow applicants to designate Argentina through a single international PCT application and defer national phase entry decisions, thus providing greater flexibility, additional time to assess commercial opportunities, and a more streamlined global filing strategy.

The approval follows a series of notable patent reforms in Argentina, including the repeal of restrictive pharmaceutical patent examination guidelines earlier this year. Together, these developments signal a substantial shift towards a more internationally-aligned patent system, and is likely to represent one of the most significant changes to Argentina’s patent landscape in decades.

Key takeaways:

  • Argentina's Chamber of Deputies has approved PCT accession legislation.

  • Senate approval is still required before formal accession can proceed.

  • PCT membership would simplify international patent filing strategies and extend decision-making timelines for applicants.

  • Recent reforms suggest a broader modernisation of Argentina's patent framework.

  • Businesses with interests in Argentina should monitor developments closely and review future patent filing strategies accordingly.

If you require assistance in this or any other jurisdiction, please do not hesitate to contact us.

Louise Audhlam-Gardiner

Louise is a Director in the Patents & Designs department. She joined Lysaght in 2001 and has a wealth of experience, with over 27 years working in the IP industry. Louise graduated from Oxford University in 1996 with a First Class Honours degree in Biochemistry.  She qualified as UK Patent Attorney in 2000 and as a European Patent Attorney in 2002. Alongside Richard Stilwell, she oversees and manages the department to deliver a range of services to our clients. In particular, Louise provides advice on global patent filing strategies and overcoming prosecution issues. Louise is also the main contact for Supplementary Protection Certificates (“SPC”) services.

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