Blockchain as an alternative in Brazilian Copyright Law: if registration is not mandatory, why register?
By Eduardo Neves & Rafael Garutti The answer lies in the difference between the existence of the right and the ability to prove it. Although registration is not necessary for copyright to exist, it can play an important evidentiary role in an eventual dispute, especially to demonstrate prior existence and to assist in proving authorship […]
Hiring a Brazil IP Local Counsel: What Foreign Law Firms Need to Know
Brazil’s rise as a global economic powerhouse has made it a key jurisdiction for international technology and brand protection. However, when international IP firms attempt to manage portfolios in Brazil using automated tools or generic foreign strategies, they often hit severe administrative roadblocks. While digital resources can streamline workflows, intellectual property in Brazil remains highly […]
Brazilian Trademark Fast-track Examination: New Quota Opens on September 1, 2026
Foreign Applicants Should Prepare Before the Window Opens Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) will reopen the second quota period of its Phase II pilot program for priority examination of trademarks on September 1, 2026, at 10:00 a.m. (Brasília time). The new quota covers 1,500 priority requests for the period from September 1 through December 31, 2026. […]
Handling Trademark Oppositions at the Brazilian INPI: Timelines & Strategies
Brazil is one of the largest consumer markets in the world, making trademark protection a critical step for foreign companies expanding into Latin America. However, many applicants are surprised to learn that trademark oppositions are relatively common in Brazil and can significantly impact registration timelines.
Voluntary amendments in Brazilian Patent Applications: When and why should applicants use them?
Patent applications often evolve after filing. New prior art may emerge, commercial priorities may change, or applicants may identify opportunities to strengthen claim language before examination begins. It is also important to consider the rules and prohibitions relevant to each country, such as the structure, the dependency relationship between claims, and other particularities that may […]
INPI resumes fast track for Electric Communication Technique (H04) patents under new rules
The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has resumed the acceptance of fast track requests for patents in the field of Electric Communication Technique (H04 classification). The measure was officially published at INPI/PR/DIRPA Ordinance No. 5/2026, and entered into force on July 1, 2026. The resumption introduces new control guidelines and limits for applicants. Check […]
USPTO vs. INPI: Key Differences in Patent Registration
For companies seeking international patent protection, understanding the differences between the United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) and the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) is essential. Although both offices aim to protect innovation and encourage technological development, their procedures, timelines, and legal requirements differ significantly. A patent strategy that works in the United […]
Brazil Accelerates Trademark Examination: New Priority Processing Hypotheses
The Brazilian PTO recently announced a significant expansion in the hypotheses that allow the accelerated analysis of trademark applications. This update is critical for foreign companies operating or planning to enter the Brazilian market, offering faster paths to legal certainty. New Frontiers for Prioritization In order to enable commercial operations and attract investments, the Organization […]
How to Register a Trademark in Brazil: The 2026 Guide for Foreign Companies
Brazil’s National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI/BPTO) has undergone significant structural reforms to align with international standards. Key updates include the full implementation of the Madrid Protocol and a restructured fee system.
Online Gambling and Trademark Registration in Brazil: Key Insights for Foreign Companies
By Rafael Garutti The Brazilian trademark system is clear: only lawful activities are eligible for protection under the Industrial Property Law (Article 128 of Law No. 9,279/1996). This principle directly impacts foreign companies looking to register trademarks for online gambling and betting services in Brazil. A recent opinion issued by the Specialized Federal Attorney’s Office […]