<img src="https://publish-01.obsidian.md/access/744ac39d33cabbc297b91373bfcac24d/bin/images/Uruguay_map.png" alt="Uruguay" class="page-header-sidebar-image"> Uruguay has provisions in its legislation relating to the granting of compulsory licences. These can be found in the Law No. 17.164 of September 2, 1999. According to Articles 54 to 61 of Law No. 17.164, compulsory licenses can be granted under the following circumstances: - Non-Exploitation of the Patent: If a patented invention has not been exploited or serious and effective preparations for its exploitation have not been made within three years from the grant date or four years from the application date, whichever is later, any interested party may request a compulsory license, provided there are no justified reasons for non-exploitation. - Public Interest Considerations: In situations affecting general interest, defense or national security, economic, social, and technological development in strategic sectors, urgent health reasons, or other public interest concerns, the Executive may grant compulsory licenses or other uses without the patent owner's consent. The scope and duration of such licenses are adapted to the purpose for which they are granted. - Anti-Competitive Practices: If the competent authority determines, after appropriate administrative or judicial proceedings, that the patent owner has engaged in anti-competitive practices, abused patent rights, or a dominant market position, the National Industrial Property Directorate may grant compulsory licenses to remedy such practices. - Dependent Patents: If a patented invention cannot be exploited in Uruguay without infringing an earlier patent, the owner or licensee of the dependent patent may request a compulsory license for the earlier patent, provided the subsequent invention represents significant technical progress of considerable economic importance. More information can be found [here](https://wipolex-resources-eu-central-1-358922420655.s3.amazonaws.com/edocs/lexdocs/laws/en/uy/uy002en.pdf ).