Argentina Introduces Inflation-Indexed IP Fee System

Argentina’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has implemented a major reform of its intellectual property fee structure through Resolution 75/2026, introducing higher official fees and a new inflation-indexed adjustment mechanism affecting trademarks, patents, utility models, and industrial designs. The reform entered into force on 1 April 2026 and represents one of the most significant changes to Argentina’s IP cost framework in recent years.

A key feature of the reform is the creation of the UMAPI (“Unidad de Medida Arancelaria de la Propiedad Industrial”), a new tariff unit that will serve as the basis for calculating many INPI fees. Starting from 1 May 2026, the value of the UMAPI is adjusted monthly according to Argentina’s Consumer Price Index (CPI), effectively linking IP-related official fees directly to inflation.

The reform is expected to have a direct operational impact on companies managing trademark and patent portfolios in Argentina, particularly for foreign rights holders. In order to be aware of the actual costs they are incurring, businesses should review upcoming renewals, annuity payments, and examination requests scheduled from April 2026 onward. Companies preparing new filings should also obtain updated cost estimates based on the expected filing date, since monthly UMAPI adjustments may significantly affect final costs. Because the UMAPI value is updated regularly, rights holders should also monitor INPI announcements more closely to anticipate future cost changes.