Intellectual Property Landscape in Brazil: INPI´s 2023 Annual Report

Intellectual Property Landscape in Brazil: INPI´s 2023 Annual Report

 Abstract

This report offers a detailed analysis of the intellectual property (IP) filings and grants in Brazil for the year 2023, encompassing patents, trademarks, industrial designs, computer programs, technology contracts, and geographical indications. It highlights the key trends and changes compared to the previous year, providing insights into the evolving IP environment in Brazil. The report aims to serve stakeholders in understanding the dynamics of IP activities and their implications for innovation and economic development.

1. Introduction

Intellectual property rights play a crucial role in fostering innovation, supporting economic growth, and protecting the creative and intellectual investments of individuals and organizations. Brazil, known for its rich contributions to various fields such as technology, arts, and culture, presents a dynamic and multifaceted IP landscape. This report delves into the trends in IP filings and grants throughout 2023, highlighting the vibrant nature of Brazil’s contributions to global and domestic innovation.

2. Methodology

The analysis is grounded in data sourced from the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), particularly focusing on the Monthly Industrial Property Bulletin. The report employs a comparative year-on-year approach to identify trends, supplemented by qualitative insights to contextualize the quantitative data within the broader framework of Brazil’s IP landscape.

3. Intellectual Property Filings in 2023

3.1 Patents

The year 2023 saw 27,918 patent applications filed in Brazil, marking a 2.9% increase from the previous year. This growth underscores a sustained interest in technological and industrial innovations, with significant contributions from the United States (30%), Brazil (20%), China (7%), Germany (6%), and Switzerland (5%).

3.2 Trademarks

Trademark applications experienced a modest increase, with 402,460 filings, up by 0.9%. This growth signifies the ongoing importance of brand protection in a competitive market, predominantly driven by Brazilian entities.

3.3 Industrial Designs

There was a slight decline in industrial design applications, with 7,054 filings, down by 2.0%. This dip may reflect shifts in market priorities or the evolving nature of product design and aesthetics.

3.4 Computer Programs

Applications for computer program registrations saw a significant rise, with 4,232 filings, up by 16.1%. This notable increase highlights the burgeoning digital and software innovation landscape in Brazil.

3.5 Technology Contracts

Filings for technology contract recordals declined to 989, down by 16.9%. This decrease may indicate shifts in the landscape of technology transfer and collaboration agreements.

3.6 Geographical Indications

Applications for geographical indications slightly increased to 27, from 22 in the previous year, reflecting a growing appreciation for region-specific products and heritage.

3.7 Integrated Circuit Topographies

The niche area of integrated circuit topographies saw minimal activity, with only one filing compared to two in the preceding year.

4. Profile of Applications

Country of Origin

In 2023, Brazil received patent applications from clients in 86 countries, highlighting its global appeal in IP protection. The leading contributors were the United States, Brazil, China, Germany, and Switzerland.

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Legal Nature of the Applicant

Individuals accounted for 34% of the invention patent filings, illustrating the significant role of independent inventors. Small and medium-sized enterprises, particularly MEIs, microenterprises, and EPPs, dominated trademark filings, making up 51% of the total. This trend underscores the vital contribution of SMEs to Brazil’s innovation ecosystem. In contrast, technology contract filings were predominantly from medium and large-sized companies.

5. Intellectual Property Grants in 2023

The IP grants in 2023 revealed a mixed landscape. While there was a decrease in patent grants, down by 21.1%, trademarks and computer programs saw substantial increases, up by 29.3% and 56.6% respectively. This variation underscores the evolving priorities and challenges within Brazil’s IP framework.

6. Quarterly Moving Average: October-December 2023

The final quarter of 2023 showed intriguing trends, with a 4.9% increase in patent filings and a notable surge in computer program filings by 14.0%. However, trademark filings saw a 5.4% decrease, indicating potential seasonal or market adjustments.

7. Conclusion

The IP landscape in Brazil in 2023 was characterized by significant activity and diversity across various sectors. The rise in computer program filings and the robust growth in trademark registrations highlight Brazil’s dynamic role in global and domestic innovation. The variations in IP grants, particularly the decline in patent grants, may signal areas for policy and operational improvements. Overall, the trends in 2023 reflect a vibrant and evolving IP ecosystem, with important implications for stakeholders in Brazil and beyond.

7. References

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