Brazil’s long-running effort to internalize drug manufacture through state-backed technology transfer agreements continues to face scrutiny. On May 7, 2025, the country’s Government Accountability Office (GAO) upheld its prior recommendation that the Ministry of Health (MOH) refrain from initiating new Partnerships for Productive Development (Parcerias para o Desenvolvimento Produtivo – PDPs) until it can demonstrate…
The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BRPTO) published Ordinance No. 04/2025 (May 27, 2025), which formalizes the internal workflow for resuming the technical examination of patent applications following an appeal against a previous rejection decision (identified by publication code 100.2). The ordinance consolidates and standardizes the procedures to be followed when the BRPTO’s Board of…
ANVISA (the Brazilian regulatory authority) is considering updating rules addressing medical devices in a clear indication that this market is growing and requires more attention. Medical devices play a vital role in healthcare, having evolved from simple tools like thermometers and bandages to sophisticated technologies such as robotic surgical systems, implantable neurostimulators, and AI-powered diagnostics….
*Also co-authored by Tatiana Costa Vaccination plays a crucial role in the prevention of diseases caused by etiological agents. The origins of vaccines trace back to the late 18th century, when Edward Jenner demonstrated the effectiveness of using cowpox as an immunizing agent against smallpox. Vaccines have made an undeniable contribution to public health by…
Intellectual property is one of the most valuable assets a business can own. Companies that actively protect and manage IP portfolios can secure stronger market positions, higher valuations, and long-term financial stability. Recent data from the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial – INPI), in collaboration with the European Union Intellectual…
*Also co-authored by Tatiana Costa (PhD). For centuries, humans have unknowingly used natural microbial consortia to transform raw materials into valuable products. Long before the identification of microorganisms, these complex microbial communities played a crucial role in food and beverage production (e.g., beer, wine, cheese, and bread), soil fertility, and even early medicinal preparations. As…
In 2024, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BRPTO) introduced pivotal changes to the appeal stage. Appeals has long been critical for applicants seeking to overturn unfavorable first-instance decisions. Historically, examiners at the appellate level have had to correct procedural inconsistencies from first instance, leading to prolonged delays—often exceeding two years for final decisions—that undermine…
The Brazilian agricultural sector has long been a driving force in the global economy, contributing significantly to international and domestic markets. In 2022, for instance, Brazil was the world’s fourth largest grain producer and second largest exporter, and in 2024, agribusiness products accounted for almost half of the country’s total exports. Innovation plays a pivotal…
UPDATE on December 24: The Brazilian PTO issued Ordinance Nº 26/2024, introducing critical updates to the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program under Phase V, the so called Global PPH (GPPH) adhesion, set to begin on January 1, 2025. Among these changes is a restriction that excludes patents classified under IPC H04 (Telecommunications) from the PPH…
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…
