Guatemala Joins USPTO Accelerated Patent Grant Program

By Mayora IP

During the 2025 Assemblies of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) in Geneva, Guatemala took a major step forward in strengthening its intellectual property system. The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) announced a new bilateral agreement with the Guatemalan government that will allow for the accelerated granting of patents in Guatemala, based on prior patent approvals by the USPTO.

Under the agreement, Guatemalan patent authorities will fast-track the examination process for applications that correspond to U.S. patents already granted. This move is expected to benefit Guatemalan innovators seeking stronger IP protections and encourage U.S. businesses to pursue investment and technology partnerships in the country.

"This new cooperation mechanism strengthens Guatemala’s position as a competitive destination for innovation and intellectual property-driven industries,” said a Guatemalan government representative present at the signing. The agreement reflects a broader strategy to modernize the country’s IP infrastructure and align it more closely with international standards.

Coke Morgan Stewart, Acting Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Acting Director of the USPTO, emphasized Guatemala’s importance in the agency’s international efforts. "Our accelerated patent grant programs are critical pieces in the USPTO's international engagement strategy,” she noted. “We look forward to furthering our cooperation with this important trading partner."

Beyond simplifying procedures, the accelerated patent program promotes regulatory transparency and legal certainty, which can play a key role in attracting high-tech investment and cross-border research initiatives in Guatemala.