On June 25, 2025, The National Institute of Industrial Property in Argentina (INPI) enacted Resolution No. 348/2025, which introduces a new regulatory framework for Industrial Property Agents. This regulation replaces the previous Resolution No. 164/2021 and seeks to align with the administrative simplification principles set forth in Law No. 27,742 (known as the “Ley de Bases”).
Registration Access: Removal of Mandatory Pre-Course
One of the main changes is the removal of the previously mandatory training course required before taking the qualifying exam. Under this new framework, applicants will be able to take the exam directly, which will be held digitally and called annually by INPI.
To be eligible, candidates must be of legal age, hold Argentine nationality, pay the required fee, submit a copy of their National Identity Document (DNI), provide a high school or higher education diploma and a criminal background certificate, and be registered as a user on the INPI’s online platform.
Once the exam is passed, the system will automatically issue a digital certificate and assign the agent a registration number.
Professional Representation
While the previous regime required the involvement of a registered agent or attorney in most cases, the new regulation allows parties to represent themselves in certain proceedings, as outlined in Article 12.
It refers to the Civil and Commercial Code for third-party representation, recognizing alternative forms of legal representation. However, legal representation remains mandatory for opposition, annulment, cancellation, and appeal procedures, as stipulated in Article 1 bis of the National Administrative Procedures Law (No. 19,549).
Disciplinary System
The new regulation also introduces updates to the disciplinary regime. It establishes a one-year statute of limitations for initiating disciplinary actions against agents and requires that any sanction be preceded by a formal disciplinary proceeding. Notably, failure to follow this process will render the sanction invalid.
The timeframes for suspension (from 2 months to 2 years) and revocation (from 2 to 5 years) of registration remain unchanged, but several grounds for sanctions have been revised. For example, knowingly providing false information—previously a cause only for revocation—is now also grounds for suspension. Additionally, the failure to notify a client will only be sanctioned if it results in harm. The new regulation also removes the prior sanction for offering services using confidential information before a filing is made public.
Implementation of the Electronic Dossier
Finally, as part of the digital transformation of INPI processes, the regulation introduces an individual electronic dossier for each agent. This will include all documents related to their professional activity.
This updated regulation represents an important step toward modernizing and streamlining the professional practice of Industrial Property Agents, adapting procedures to a more digital and transparent environment regarding rights and obligations.
If you need legal advice or assistance with proceedings before INPI, you can contact us at info@lermanszlak.com.
