Industrial Property and economy in Brazil

Recently, the INPI (National Institute of Industrial Property) shared an analysis of the economic landscape of industrial property in Brazil from 2014 to 2024. The study highlights how the economic environment influences industrial property protection: during periods of growth, investments in innovation drive protection requests, while in times of crisis, these requests decline. Additionally, regulatory and structural factors impact the timelines for analysis and registration grants.

The data presented analyzes the dynamics of INPI services and decisions over four periods:

2014-2016 – Economic Crisis: The recession leads to reduced R&D investments, declining GDP, increased unemployment, and lower demand for intellectual property protection.

2017-2019 – Slow Stabilization: Economic recovery gradually boosted industrial property requests, especially in biotechnology and technology.

2020-2021 – Pandemic: The health crisis slowed innovation but accelerated digitalization, increasing the demand for protection in IT, healthcare, and biotechnology.

2022-2024 – Economic Recovery: Innovation in AI, fintechs, and healthcare drove the demand for IP protection despite economic challenges.

Key Results by Industrial Property Asset:

Patents: Average decline of 1.8% per year. The number of requests remained relatively stable overall, with growth in specific areas such as biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, chemistry, information technology, and communication.

Trademarks: 10% annual growth, driven by e-commerce and services. The adoption of the Madrid Protocol helped. However, a lack of staff affected the granting of registrations in 2024.

Industrial Designs: 0.7% annual growth, with highlights in fashion, furniture, and electronics. The adoption of the Hague Agreement in 2023 diverted resources, impacting grants.

Geographical Indications: Growing adoption by various states, boosting the value of regional products like wines and cheeses.

Computer Programs: Digitalization and new technologies drove an increase in requests. Decision-making processes also saw improved productivity.

Integrated Circuit Topographies: The number of requests remained low due to high R&D costs and the economic impact on microelectronics.

The dynamics of IP filings and grants in Brazil reflect economic cycles, public policies, and structural changes at the INPI.

Advances such as digitalization and participation in international agreements, like the Madrid Protocol and the Hague Agreement, have brought more dynamism to industrial property protection in the country. However, structural limitations, such as a shortage of staff and high turnover, still affect system efficiency.

The future points to the consolidation of high-tech sectors, such as artificial intelligence and renewable energy, with IP growing as a competitive differentiator for Brazilian companies.

How can your company protect itself against the country’s economic changes?

For more information, we are available at international@simoes-ip.com