Brazil’s Committee on Economic Affairs has approved Bill No. 4.972/2019, introducing measures to shorten timelines and expedite patent examination in the country.
The proposal aims to modernize procedures at the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) and address the current backlog of applications.
Key changes
The bill introduces important adjustments to the patent process:
- reduction of the confidentiality period from 18 to 12 months
- reduction of the deadline to request examination from 36 to 18 months
According to rapporteur Renan Calheiros, the measure is intended to improve efficiency and streamline patent processing.
Implications for innovation and IP
These changes may:
- accelerate patent grants
- reduce examination backlog
- improve legal certainty for businesses and investors
Shorter timelines can strengthen Brazil’s position as a more attractive environment for innovation and intellectual property protection.
