Brazilian patent office strives to deal with patent backlog. Are we glimpsing a new era on patent proceedings?

It has been almost a year since the Brazilian Patent Office launched a project to reduce, within 2 years, the backlog of more than 207,000 unexamined patent applications in 80%.

Intense efforts with institutional restructuration, PPH programs and implementation of Preliminary Examinations, among other measures, contributed to take down the backlog in 18,5% on 2019.

The goals reflect aspirations to reduce the number down to 59,970 unexamined patent applications until the end of 2020.

Amidst the exceptional circumstances in view of the COVID-19 outbreak, the Brazilian Patent Office adopted effective measures to maintain its activities without prejudice to users.

In addition, the Office is prioritizing substantive examination of patent applications related to a series of drugs and technologies of public interest health policies, in a joint action with the Health Ministry.

Strategic actions and improvements to defeat backlog while achieving an excellence performance is leading the Brazilian Patent Office to a new reality, thus, raising up its level and equating to important IP Offices in the world. A new era indeed!

For more information on ongoing or new patent applications, feel free to contact us.

By Roberta Hokama