PCT NATIONAL PHASE ENTRY
Honduras

Honduras has been a Contracting Party to the Paris Convention for the Protection of Industrial Property since February 04, 1994, and joined the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) on June 20, 2006. It is also a member of the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Procedures. Additionally, Honduras participates in the regional intellectual property information platform, LATIPAT.

In Honduras, PCT applications must enter the national phase within 30 months from the priority date. 

In Honduras, patent applications must be submitted entirely in Spanish, including the specification, claims, and drawings. If an international application has been filed in any foreign language, the deadline for provision of the Spanish translation of an application is 2 months from the national phase entry date. 

In Honduras, the deadline for filing a patent application is final, and there is no provision for an extension beyond the initial due date. 

The documents required to file the national phase application in the said country are as follows:

• Power of Attorney: A Power of Attorney, duly notarized and legalised by the apostille or a Honduran consulate should be submitted within 30 days from office action of missing requirement. 

• Assignment Deed: If the applicant is not the inventor, a deed of assignment, duly notarized and legalised by the apostille or a Honduran consulate must be submitted to confirm the right to file the patent application.  

The fees are reduced by 90% if the applicant is the inventor and submits a declaration stating that their financial situation prevents them from paying the full fee amount.  

In Honduras, substantive examination of the application begins automatically after filing. No separate request for examination is needed.  

Annual fees must be paid in advance each year before the anniversary of the international filing date, starting from the third year. A six-month grace period is available for late payments, provided a surcharge is paid. 

In Honduras, the duration of patent protection is 20 years from the filing date of the application. 

In the Global Innovation Index 2024, Honduras ranks 114th out of 133 countries with an overall score of 16.7, which is below the global average of 31.57. The country shows stronger performance in innovation inputs compared to innovation outputs.

Honduras recorded 3.6% GDP growth in 2024, driven by strong remittances, low inflation, and increased private investment. Inflation dropped to 4.6%, staying within the Central Bank’s target. Despite global challenges, the economy is expected to strengthen from 2027 onwards, supported by public investment and agricultural improvements. The country is also making progress in poverty reduction and is advancing key reforms to improve governance, the business environment, and basic service delivery, laying the foundation for inclusive, long-term growth.