Brazil

In view of its very large territory, Brazil has always faced many challenges implementing a successful anti-counterfeiting programme. Lack of a uniform approach and the absence of a political will to tackle IP infringements on a large scale were some of the problems that held IP owners back in the past.

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office recently announced three new fast-track options for the examination of patent applications, which are already in effect. These new fast-tracks are available for: (i) applications covering “technologies already available in the [Brazilian] market”; (ii) applications filed by local startups; and (iii) applications for “technologies resulting from [Brazilian] public funding.”

Robert Daniel-Shores and Fábio Leme of Daniel Law examine lower courts’ interpretation of non-binding STJ decisions on injunctive relief in trade dress disputes

What are the leading IP objectives and challenges that your corporation, or your industry, pursue and face in Brazil?

It is not uncommon to hear that design protection is often underestimated or even forgotten compared to other forms of IP, like trademarks, patents, and copyright. In Brazil, that seems to be the case when you compare the average of 6,000+ design applications filed annually, with the 245,000+ trademarks and 28,000+ patents filings.

Brazil is one of the newest members of the Madrid Protocol. It has been part of the protocol since October 2 2019. An international system was long overdue and less than 10 months in it has received 5,500+ BR designations, covering 13,300+ classes.