With 202 active patents registered, representing 80% of the total for the Universidade NOVA de Lisboa, NOVA FCT has played a central role in the institution's excellence strategy. The renewal of the protocol with the INPI, signed by the Director of NOVA FCT, José Júlio Alferes, and the President of the Directive Council of the INPI, Ana Bandeira, symbolizes the continuation of this collaboration.
The agreement supports the activity of GAPI – Gabinete de Apoio à Promoção da Propriedade Industrial (Industrial Property Promotion Support Office) at NOVA FCT. This office assists students, researchers, and companies in protecting inventions, trademarks, and designs, acting as an interface between the Industrial Property and Innovation systems of the Setúbal district. The initiative aligns with the strategic plan for 2026-2030, aiming to valorize knowledge as an instrument for the region's intellectual, economic, and cultural heritage.
The protocol includes dissemination actions, seminars, and an annual meeting of the GAPI Network for sharing best practices. NOVA FCT guarantees free access to specialized training from the INPI's Industrial Property Academy and a free, non-exclusive license to use the European trademark "GAPI". In return, the Faculty commits to maintaining a dedicated structure for Industrial Property and to disseminate INPI initiatives.
With indefinite validity, the protocol consolidates a long-standing relationship between the two institutions, reinforcing NOVA FCT's role in promoting innovation and protecting intellectual property.
