On July 6, 2024, the Brazilian PTO joined the Global Patent Prosecution Highway (GPPH) program, representing another significant advancement in Brazil’s intellectual property framework. This initiative, aligned with the 2023-2025 Action Plan of the Intellectual Property National Strategy, aims to streamline patent examination processes and enhance Brazil’s participation in the global IP system. On December…

Co-authored by Rodrigo Mourao and Rhuan Quintanilha The global momentum behind 5G continues to build up as its adoption accelerates. At the 2024 Mobile World Congress (MWC) in Barcelona, GSMA Intelligence reported that, as of early 2024, “261 operators across 101 countries have launched commercial 5G services. The number of 5G connections worldwide reached 1.6…

Despite the availability of therapeutic options that extend life expectancy, cancer remains one of the leading causes of death worldwide. A key reason for this persistently high mortality rate is the limited effectiveness of conventional treatments in overcoming acquired tumor resistance. Therefore, there is a long felt need for new treatment solutions that continues to…

Rapporteur’s Opinion proposes substitute text and recommends approval In February 2024, a Brazilian congress member, Antônio Luiz Rodrigues Mano Júnior (known as Júnior Mano), introduced a bill to amend the national IP Statute (Law #9,279/96) and regulate the ownership of inventions generated by artificial intelligence systems. Bill #303/2024, if approved, would allow patenting autonomously generated…

As one of the most biodiverse countries in the world, Brazil has long been a natural research powerhouse. In fields such as pharmaceuticals, it is common to study the genome of plants, animals and microorganisms, applying this knowledge to create new products and processes that may be eligible for patent protection. As an example, in…

Software-driven innovations have become so embedded in our daily lives that almost every single activity we perform has some degree of interaction with them. The massive presence of software-related innovations in our lives is accompanied by an increasing number of patent filings therefor. According to the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in 2023, computer technologies…

The first Over-the-Counter Continuous Glucose Monitor (CGM) ever cleared in the United Stated by the FDA was launched by Dexcom. The Stelo Glucose Biosensor System (commercial name) has been cleared for anyone 18 years or older who does not use insulin (such as individuals with diabetes treating their condition with oral medications, or those without…

The BRPTO published on August 28, 2024, Appeal Board Ordinance #4, a rule intended to provide internal guidelines for the examiners responsible for analyzing appeals of patent applications, the so called “second instance” in Brazil. This Ordinance brings structured and standardized procedures that the examiners shall observe when analyzing appeals briefs ensuring consistency, transparency and…

Prepared by Rob Rodrigues and Luiza Cotia The recent publication of the pharma tech-transfer guidelines (PDPs or partnership for productive developments) is bringing an interest for companies to monitor patent portfolios in Brazil. (https://patentblog.kluweriplaw.com/2024/06/25/brazil-pharma-pdps-and-challenges-for-ip-owners/). In view of this development, one of the questions arising is how third parties can influence patent examination of cases that…

Prepared by Rob Rodrigues, Brenno Telles and Dara Offrede On Friday June 21, 2024, the government formally introduced regulations addressing the new framework for Partnerships for Productive Development (PDP). The Ministry of Health published new guidelines (Ordinance #4,472/20241) as part of the government policy to foster the “National Strategy for the Development of the Economic-Industrial…