On June 11, 2025, the Brazilian Senate approved Legislative Decree Bill No. 466/2022, confirming the country’s accession to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Procedure. The decree now awaits promulgation.

Administered by the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), the Budapest Treaty was established in 1977 to simplify the deposit process for biological material required in patent applications involving live microorganisms. With this accession, Brazilian inventors will be able to deposit samples at International Depository Authorities (IDAs) located in Brazil.

Currently, Brazilian researchers must send their biological samples to IDAs abroad, such as those in Mexico or Chile, leading to higher costs and additional procedural hurdles.

Following ratification, Brazil may designate national institutions, like Embrapa’s Genetic Resources and Biotechnology Center (Cenargen), as official IDAs. This development is expected to reduce technical barriers, streamline procedures, and strengthen the Brazilian intellectual property system.

The move is also likely to encourage research and development in Brazil, allowing local researchers to participate more actively in global innovation chains.