INPI and MDIC strengthen efforts to speed up patent and trademark processes in Brazil

On March 24, 2025, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services (MDIC) held a meeting in Rio de Janeiro to advance initiatives aimed at reducing the timeframes for granting patents and registering trademarks in Brazil. During the meeting, Acting President and MDIC Minister Geraldo Alckmin and INPI President Júlio César Moreira outlined strategic priorities to strengthen the national intellectual property system.

One of the key goals is to reduce the average patent examination time from four to two years by 2026. In the trademark field, the registration process is expected to drop from 18 months to just one month. To support these targets, the INPI emphasized the need for technological modernization, the hiring of new staff, and the full execution of the approved budget.

Among the planned initiatives are the use of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in search and examination activities, the implementation of the User Portal with incremental features for patent applicants, the optimization of the trademark opposition form, and the launch of a pilot project for direct user engagement. Additionally, the INPI is supporting Bill No. 2210/2022, which provides for the early examination of patent applications and proposes adjustments to the trademark opposition system. A new fee schedule is also set to be introduced.

Shortly after the meeting, on March 27, 2025, the INPI released its 2024 Management Report, which outlines the progress made under the 2023–2026 Strategic Plan and 2024 Action Plan. Highlights include the signing of a contract for the implementation of a new patent workflow automation system (BPMS), the continuation of AI research for examination processes, and the publication of six strategic technology foresight studies. The report also recorded 445 mentorships conducted by companies and research institutions and the launch of the Brazil Innovation and Development Index (IBID), aimed at informing public policy.

In terms of staffing, the INPI appointed 120 new employees from the 2023 public examination and is seeking authorization to call candidates from the reserve list and launch a new recruitment process.

These combined actions mark a significant step toward improving the efficiency and responsiveness of Brazil’s IP system.

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