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Brazil’s Industrial Property Law (Law No. 9,279/1996) marks its 30th anniversary in 2026 as a cornerstone of the country’s economic and legal modernization.

Over the past three decades, the law has played a key role in fostering a safer environment for innovation, investment, and technology transfer.

Beyond celebration, this milestone invites reflection on how the IP system has evolved — and how it must adapt to a knowledge-based and digital economy.

A foundation for innovation and legal certainty

At the time of its enactment, the law aligned Brazil with international standards, establishing modern rules for:

• Patents
• Trademarks
• Industrial designs
• Geographical indications

This framework enhanced legal predictability, encouraged R&D investment, and strengthened business competitiveness.

It also contributed to institutional development, including specialized courts and more consistent IP case law.

Evolution of the Brazilian PTO 

Over time, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office has advanced significantly, including:

• Process digitalization;
• Improved examination systems;
• Expanded international cooperation;
• Increased administrative efficiency.

While progress is clear, structural challenges remain part of the ongoing modernization process.

New challenges: digital economy and AI

The law was created before the rise of the digital economy. Today, emerging technologies challenge traditional IP concepts, including:

• Artificial intelligence;
• Biotechnology;
• Digital assets;
• Global platforms.

The current position of the Brazilian PTO is that inventions autonomously generated by AI are not patentable — a topic still under global debate.

These developments raise important questions about authorship, ownership, and the use of IP in digital environments.

A moment for dialogue and reform

In 2026, the Brazilian PTO and the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade and Services are promoting a national dialogue to assess the law and discuss potential updates.

This initiative aims to gather input from stakeholders across industry, academia, and the legal community.

Implications for international businesses

• The maturity of Brazil’s IP system;
• A strong commitment to legal certainty;
• Openness to regulatory evolution.

These factors are essential for strategic decisions involving innovation and market expansion in Brazil.

How Tavares IP can support

Navigating an evolving IP landscape requires expertise and strategic insight.

Tavares IP supports companies in protecting, managing, and maximizing their intangible assets in Brazil, closely monitoring regulatory developments.

A Lei da Propriedade Industrial (Lei nº 9.279/1996) completa 30 anos em 2026 como um dos principais marcos da modernização econômica e jurídica do Brasil. Ao longo dessas três décadas, a legislação desempenhou papel fundamental na construção de um ambiente mais seguro para inovação, investimentos e transferência de tecnologia.

Mais do que uma data comemorativa, o momento convida à reflexão sobre a evolução do sistema de propriedade industrial e sobre os desafios impostos por uma economia cada vez mais digital e baseada no conhecimento.

Um marco para inovação e segurança jurídica

Quando foi promulgada, a LPI alinhou o Brasil às melhores práticas internacionais, estabelecendo regras modernas para:

• Patentes
• Marcas
• Desenhos industriais
• Indicações geográficas

Esse novo arcabouço jurídico contribuiu para aumentar a previsibilidade regulatória, estimular investimentos em pesquisa e desenvolvimento e fortalecer a competitividade das empresas brasileiras.

Além disso, a legislação impulsionou o desenvolvimento institucional, incluindo a criação de varas especializadas e a consolidação de uma jurisprudência mais robusta em propriedade intelectual.

Evolução do INPI e do sistema de PI

Ao longo dos anos, o Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (INPI) acompanhou essa evolução, promovendo avanços importantes como:

• Digitalização de processos;
• Modernização de sistemas de busca e exame;
• Ampliação da cooperação internacional;
• Redução do uso de papel e aumento da eficiência administrativa.

Esses avanços contribuíram para tornar o sistema brasileiro mais acessível e alinhado a padrões globais, embora desafios estruturais ainda persistam.

Novos desafios: economia digital e inteligência artificial

A LPI foi concebida em um contexto anterior à economia digital. Hoje, novas tecnologias desafiam conceitos tradicionais da propriedade industrial, incluindo:

• Inteligência artificial;
• Biotecnologia;
• Ativos digitais;
• Plataformas globais.

O entendimento atual do INPI, por exemplo, é de que invenções geradas exclusivamente por inteligência artificial não são passíveis de proteção patentária — um tema que continua em evolução no cenário internacional.

Ao mesmo tempo, essas tecnologias levantam questões relevantes sobre autoria, titularidade e uso de ativos intangíveis em ambientes digitais.

Oportunidade de diálogo e modernização

Diante desse cenário, o INPI e o Ministério do Desenvolvimento, Indústria, Comércio e Serviços (MDIC) promovem, ao longo de 2026, um diálogo com a sociedade para discutir possíveis aperfeiçoamentos na LPI.

A iniciativa busca reunir contribuições de empresas, universidades, pesquisadores e profissionais da área, com o objetivo de construir um sistema mais preparado para os desafios futuros.

Implicações para empresas e investidores internacionais

Para empresas estrangeiras, os 30 anos da LPI evidenciam:

• A maturidade do sistema brasileiro de propriedade industrial;
• O compromisso com segurança jurídica e previsibilidade;
• A abertura para evolução regulatória frente a novas tecnologias.

Esse ambiente é essencial para decisões estratégicas envolvendo inovação, transferência de tecnologia e expansão de negócios no Brasil.

Como a Tavares IP pode apoiar

A evolução constante do sistema de propriedade industrial exige acompanhamento especializado e visão estratégica.

A Tavares IP assessora empresas nacionais e internacionais na proteção, gestão e valorização de ativos intangíveis no Brasil, acompanhando de perto as mudanças regulatórias e suas implicações práticas.

Entre em contato com nossa equipe para navegar com segurança o cenário de propriedade intelectual no Brasil.

On June 23, 2026, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) updated its Trademark Guidelines, introducing relevant changes that directly impact trademark protection strategies in Brazil.

The updates focus on two key areas: recognition of highly renowned trademarks and procedures under the Madrid Protocol.

Highly renowned trademarks: increased flexibility

One of the main changes allows the recognition of highly renowned status based on multiple registrations, provided that:

• The same trademark sign is used;
• It covers different goods or services.

This update, aligned with Ordinance INPI/PR No. 68/2026, provides greater flexibility for brand owners operating across multiple market segments.

Highly renowned status ensures special protection across all classes, regardless of the scope of registration, making it a highly valuable asset for established brands.

Madrid Protocol: adoption of Madrid e-Filing system

The updated Guidelines also introduce specific instructions for filing international trademark applications under the Madrid Protocol.

Applications must now be submitted through the Madrid e-Filing system, offering:

• Greater standardization;
• Integration with WIPO’s global system;
• Improved efficiency in international filings.

This development reinforces Brazil’s commitment to international harmonization and simplifies procedures for foreign applicants.

How Tavares IP can help

Keeping up with regulatory changes is essential for effective IP management.

Tavares IP supports companies in navigating Brazil’s trademark system, including highly renowned status recognition and Madrid Protocol filings.

Brazil’s latest seed deposit at the Svalbard Global Seed Vault in Norway highlights the country’s strategic role in global biodiversity preservation and food security.

Led by Embrapa, the initiative includes crops such as cashew, beans, peanuts, castor beans, and sesame, adding to the vault’s 1.38 million seed samples from over 5,000 species.

The strategic role of genetic banks

Seed banks like Svalbard serve as critical infrastructure to safeguard genetic resources against threats such as climate change, conflicts, and pests.

In this context, genetic resources are not only biological assets but also strategic and economic ones.

Biodiversity as an intellectual property asset

Brazil’s participation reinforces the growing intersection between biodiversity and intellectual property.

Genetic resources are essential for:

• Agricultural innovation;
• Biotechnological development;
• Creation of new products and industrial processes.

This raises key legal and strategic issues, including:

• Access and benefit-sharing (ABS);
• Plant variety protection;
• Biotechnology patents;
• Sovereignty over genetic resources.

Brazil’s global relevance

With over 8,000 deposited samples, Brazil stands out as a key global biodiversity player.

Its domestic infrastructure — including one of the largest genetic banks in Latin America — further demonstrates its technical capacity in conservation and research.

Implications for businesses

• Access to genetic diversity for innovation;
• Compliance with biodiversity regulations;
• Protection of derived assets (patents, plant varieties, know-how).

Foreign companies entering Brazil must navigate a complex but increasingly structured legal framework.

How Tavares IP can support

Navigating the intersection of biodiversity and IP requires specialized expertise.

Tavares IP supports companies in protecting innovations related to genetic resources, including patents, plant varieties, and regulatory strategies in Brazil.

The recognition of PIX as a highly renowned trademark by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) represents a milestone in Brazil’s intellectual property landscape.

Originally launched as an instant payment system by the Central Bank, PIX has rapidly evolved into one of the most valuable intangible assets in the country. With this new status, it now enjoys the highest level of trademark protection under Brazilian law.

What does “highly renowned trademark” status mean?

Under Article 125 of the Brazilian IP Law, highly renowned trademarks are granted protection across all sectors of economic activity, regardless of their registration class.

In practice, this means:

• The term “PIX” cannot be registered by third parties in any sector.
• Protection extends beyond financial services.
• Unauthorized use may result in legal enforcement and damages.

This recognition is reserved for trademarks that demonstrate exceptional levels of public awareness, trust, and reputation.

A nationwide asset

PIX’s scale highlights its strategic importance:

• BRL 35.36 trillion in transactions in 2025.
• Nearly 80 billion transactions.
• 54.7% share of all payment transactions in Brazil.

This level of adoption positions PIX as both a financial and institutional asset.

Protection against misuse and unfair association

Highly renowned status strengthens enforcement against:

• Unauthorized associations.
• Opportunistic commercial use.
• Consumer confusion.

It also reinforces the role of trademarks as key drivers of value, trust, and legal certainty in digital economies.

International context and regulatory tensions

The recognition comes amid international scrutiny, particularly from U.S. authorities, who have raised concerns about competitive impacts on global payment companies.

In this context, trademark protection also plays a strategic role in safeguarding national infrastructure and regulatory autonomy.

Implications for international businesses

For foreign companies, the PIX case offers key insights:

• The growing importance of intangible assets in emerging markets is important.
• The strategic value of enhanced trademark protection.
• The role of IP as a business asset, not merely a legal tool.

It also reflects the maturity of Brazil’s IP system in protecting high-impact assets.

How Tavares IP can support

Achieving highly renowned trademark status requires strong evidence, strategic planning, and technical expertise.

Tavares IP supports companies in protecting, managing, and strengthening their trademarks in Brazil, including strategies for achieving enhanced protection.

Contact our team to learn how to protect and leverage your brand assets in Brazil.

Brazil has officially joined the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Filing of Microorganisms for the Purposes of Patent Procedure, through Decree No. 13,011/2026.

This development represents a significant step forward for innovation-driven industries.

What changes in practice?

The Treaty allows a single filing of microorganisms in an internationally recognized authority to be valid across all member countries.

Key benefits include:

• Elimination of multiple filings
• Cost reduction
• Simplified procedures
• Greater predictability

Legal certainty and efficiency

Brazil’s accession is driven by:

• Simplification of biological material filings
• Reduced costs for global patent strategies
• Increased legal certainty

This unified system enhances reliability in handling and accessing biological samples.

No changes to current BPTO procedures

According to the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office, current patent filing procedures involving biological material remain unchanged.

Brazil already recognizes filings made in foreign International Depositary Authorities (IDAs).

Opportunities for Brazilian institutions

As a member, Brazil can now seek recognition from the World Intellectual Property Organization for local institutions to act as IDAs.

Entities such as:

• Embrapa
• Fiocruz

are already preparing for this role.

Once approved, local filings will become a reality, reducing logistical burdens.

Impact for international companies

For foreign applicants, this means:

• Stronger alignment with global IP standards
• Reduced complexity in multi-jurisdiction filings
• Improved legal certainty in Brazil
• Enhanced attractiveness of the Brazilian market

Brazil’s accession to the Budapest Treaty marks an important milestone for the country’s IP landscape.

Tavares IP supports companies in structuring and protecting biotech innovations in Brazil. Contact us to optimize your patent strategy.

On June 9, a special committee of the Brazilian Chamber of Deputies discussed integrated strategies to combat:

• Piracy
• Smuggling
• Tax evasion
• Illegal trade

The initiative highlights the growing importance of IP enforcement in Brazil.

Economic impact and unfair competition

According to lawmakers, illegal markets:

• Finance organized crime
• Reduce public revenue
• Harm legitimate businesses
• Create unfair competition

A significant portion of criminal activity is economically motivated, directly impacting market dynamics.

Intellectual property at the core

Piracy directly affects key IP rights, including:

• Trademarks
• Copyrights
• Industrial designs

For companies, this leads to risks such as:

• Brand dilution
• Revenue loss
• Reputational damage

Institutional strengthening and coordination

Key proposals include:

• Revitalizing the National Anti-Piracy Council
• Enhancing public-private cooperation
• Updating legislation
• Strengthening enforcement actions

This reflects a more coordinated approach to tackling illegal markets.

The “Brasil Legal” agenda

The discussion is part of the broader “Brasil Legal” initiative, which focuses on:

• Border control
• Road enforcement
• Criminal investigation
• Institutional coordination

This systemic approach is essential to dismantle illegal supply chains.

Impact for international companies

For foreign businesses, stronger enforcement means:

• Better protection of IP assets
• Increased legal certainty
• Lower operational risks
• Improved investment environment

The renewed focus on anti-piracy measures signals a more robust IP enforcement landscape in Brazil.

Companies should align their IP strategies accordingly.

Tavares IP supports companies in protecting and enforcing their IP rights in Brazil. Contact us to strengthen your strategy.

Today (on June 11), the FIFA World Cup 2026 kicks off, bringing global attention not only to football but also to the complex IP-driven business ecosystem behind the event.

Major sporting events rely on:

• Broadcasting rights
• Global sponsorships
• Trademark licensing
• Athletes’ image rights

IP is the backbone of the sports industry

These events are powered by intangible assets, including:

• Official trademarks and logos
• Symbols and emblems
• Audiovisual content (copyrights)
• Athletes’ image rights

The monetization of these assets drives the entire event economy.

The Brazilian legal framework

Brazil has developed a robust legal framework for IP protection in sports, including:

• Industrial Property Law
• Copyright Law
• Pelé Law

The Pelé Law:

• Protects sports symbols
• Secures rights over athletes’ names and nicknames
• Regulates image rights (licensable assets)

Special legal regimes for megaevents

Brazil implemented specific laws for major events:

• World Cup Law (2012)
• Olympic Games Law (2016)

These introduced:

• Recognition of well-known marks
• Fast-track trademark examination
• Criminal penalties for misuse

Ambush marketing risks

One of the key legal challenges is ambush marketing, which can take two forms:

• Unauthorized association
• Physical or visual intrusion

These practices are regulated to protect official sponsors.

The 2026 World Cup scenario

Unlike Brazil in 2014, the US, Canada, and Mexico have not adopted specific IP regimes for the 2026 World Cup.

However, the core challenges remain:

• Protecting official trademarks
• Preventing misuse
• Ensuring sponsor exclusivity
• Safeguarding image rights

A modern legal framework

Brazil’s General Sports Law (2023) further strengthens protection by:

• Criminalizing misuse of sports IP
• Penalizing unauthorized products
• Regulating ambush marketing

The World Cup highlights the central role of IP in global sports.

For companies and rights holders, strategic IP management is critical to maximizing value and minimizing risk.

Tavares IP supports companies in protecting and leveraging IP assets globally. Contact us to develop your strategy.

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) has launched a new Quick Patent Guides page to simplify access to information and services related to patent applications.

The platform centralizes:

• Step-by-step guidance
• Links to official systems
• Applicable legislation and regulations
• Patent search databases

Supporting users throughout the patent lifecycle

The guides cover key stages of the patent process, including:

• Patent filing
• Preliminary formal examination
• Request for technical examination
• Compliance with office actions
• Grant of patent rights

Additional content includes:

• Optional procedures (ownership transfer, amendments, preliminary opinions)
• Exceptional procedural situations
• System interactions

Digital transformation and user experience

The transition from PDF guides to structured web pages marks a significant improvement:

• More intuitive navigation
• Integration with digital systems (e-Patents, e-filing)
• Direct access to payment tools and services
• Enhanced usability

This aligns Brazil with international best practices in IP office modernization.

Impact for international businesses

For foreign companies, the initiative brings clear advantages:

• Reduced procedural complexity
• Increased transparency
• Easier management of patent filings
• Improved predictability

These factors contribute to a more accessible and business-friendly IP environment.

IP as a business enabler

Improved access to patent information reinforces IP as a strategic tool:

• Enables faster decision-making
• Reduces operational risks
• Enhances portfolio management efficiency
• Encourages market entry

Visit the New Quick Guides page to discover the available content.

Tavares IP provides full support for patent filing and management in Brazil. Contact us to streamline your IP strategy.

The EU–Mercosur agreement, now provisionally in force, marks a significant step forward in promoting Brazilian Geographical Indications (GIs).

Brazil currently holds:

• 150 national GIs
• 119 Indications of Source (IP)
• 31 Appellations of Origin (DO)
• 161 total GIs, including foreign recognitions

This reflects a growing adoption of GIs as strategic IP assets.

International protection and legal impact

The agreement enhances legal protection for Brazilian GIs in the European market, resulting in:

• Reduced misuse of geographical names
• Increased legal certainty for exports
• Stronger international recognition
• Enhanced product authenticity and reputation

Key sectors such as coffee, wine, cheese, honey, and cachaça are expected to benefit.

GIs as a strategic IP tool

Geographical Indications play a critical role in:

• Linking quality to origin
• Preserving local know-how
• Creating competitive differentiation
• Strengthening regional economies

When combined with trademarks, GIs allow producers to:

• Build individual brand positioning
• Differentiate within the same territory
• Expand long-term commercial strategies
• Market access challenges

Despite regulatory progress, effective market entry depends on:

• Consistent product quality
• Production scalability
• Producer organization
• Compliance with EU technical standards

The agreement creates opportunities, but execution is key.

Regulatory and economic ripple effects

International agreements also drive domestic impact:

• Encourage new GI registrations
• Influence public policies
• Strengthen innovation ecosystems
• Support future agreements (e.g., EFTA)

Additionally, GIs contribute to:

• Regional development
• Rural tourism
• Local business expansion

The EU–Mercosur agreement reinforces intellectual property as a key driver of international competitiveness.

Geographical Indications are no longer just origin labels; they are strategic global assets.

At Tavares IP, we support companies and associations in protecting and leveraging IP assets globally. Contact us to develop your GI strategy.