During an event hosted by the São Paulo Intellectual Property Association (ASPI) on December 18, the Director of Trademarks, Industrial Designs and Geographical Indications at the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO), Alexandre Lopes Lourenço, presented the Institute’s ongoing initiatives and strategic outlook for 2026.

Addressing the current landscape, the director highlighted significant operational advances, including the recruitment of new examiners through public examinations, a reduction in patent examination timeframes, and a steady increase in trademark filings. He also emphasized the growing use of artificial intelligence to support examination activities and improve user interaction.

In this context, the new BPTO Services Portal was presented as a key tool for enhancing user experience. Additional initiatives include outsourcing patent searches, streamlining trademark opposition procedures, and the Direct Contact with Users project.

Human resources and institutional structure

Regarding human resources, Alexandre Lopes Lourenço noted that, following the expansion of the technical staff, the main challenge now lies in training and retaining qualified professionals. Among the priorities is the restructuring of BPTO’s career framework to strengthen professional recognition. A new public recruitment process has also been requested for 2026.

From an institutional perspective, the director addressed the proposal to transform BPTO into a regulatory agency, ensuring greater management stability, collegial decision-making, and improved budgetary conditions. This proposal is accompanied by a new organizational structure, designed around processes and efficiency.

Additional strategic initiatives

Other highlights included the reorganization of BPTO’s regional presence into five superintendencies and the expansion of economic and technological studies, such as the Brazil Innovation and Development Index (IBID). They strengthened efforts to combat piracy and counterfeiting.

These efforts include the work of the National Directories for Combating Trademark and Geographical Indication Counterfeiting, as well as the recent launch of a platform dedicated to addressing counterfeit beverages.

The presentation underscores BPTO’s commitment to modernizing Brazil’s IP system and preparing the institution for the challenges ahead.