Established in 1977 by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Budapest Treaty standardizes the recognition of biological material deposits for patent purposes. This measure addresses one of the main challenges faced by inventors and researchers in biotechnology: ensuring reproducibility and disclosure requirements across multiple jurisdictions.
Reducing Technical Barriers and Administrative Costs

By recognizing deposits made with International Depositary Authorities (IDAs), the treaty allows inventors to rely on a single biological deposit, which is valid in all member countries.

For Brazil, this represents a major simplification. Reducing bureaucracy, lowering operational costs, and enhancing access to international patent protection.

Expanding Opportunities for Research Institutions

The accession also opens the door for Brazilian institutions to be accredited as IDAs, such as Cenargen/Embrapa and Fiocruz. This creates new opportunities for research centers and universities to offer deposit services to national and foreign inventors, contributing to Brazil’s scientific internationalization and bioeconomy development.

Legal and Strategic Impact

From a legal standpoint, the Budapest Treaty strengthens the security and global enforceability of Brazilian patents.

It also enhances investor confidence and aligns Brazil with international best practices, consolidating the country’s position as an emerging hub for innovation in biotechnology and intellectual property.

Brazil’s accession to the Budapest Treaty represents a juridical, scientific, and economic milestone, simplifying patent processes, expanding global cooperation, and fostering a more competitive biotechnological ecosystem.

Follow the Tavares IP Blog to explore how Brazil’s evolving patent framework is shaping innovation in biotechnology, pharmaceuticals, and beyond.