The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI), through the Directorate of Patents, Computer Programs, and Integrated Circuit Topographies (DIRPA) in Brazil has unveiled a pivotal change in the methodology governing the distribution and technical examination of patent applications. This strategic shift marks a departure from the previous criterion, which was contingent on the date of patent application filing.

Effective from January 1, 2024, DIRPA has declared that the allocation and subsequent examination of patent applications will now be organized based on the date of the examination request. This strategic realignment is aimed at streamlining the national processing of patent applications, bringing Brazil’s practices more in line with international standards.

The decision to implement this modification stems from insights gathered through Public Subsidies Hearing No. 1 of 2023. DIRPA anticipates that this measure will inject a renewed dynamism into the landscape of voluntary alterations in patent applications, ultimately contributing to a notable reduction in the decision time for patent applications at the National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI).

Crucially, this alteration underscores a concerted effort to render the patent system in Brazil more agile and equitable for all stakeholders engaged in the innovation process. DIRPA envisions that this strategic initiative will yield greater efficiency in handling applications, delivering substantial benefits for innovators, businesses, and the overall economy.

As DIRPA continues to vigilantly monitor and fine-tune its practices in response to feedback from the innovation community, this transformation is poised to have a positive impact on the intellectual property framework in Brazil. It not only reflects a commitment to international best practices but also serves as a catalyst for fostering the development and safeguarding of innovations within the country.