cooperation
News

Brazil and Denmark Strengthen Cooperation in Intellectual Property

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) hosted a delegation from the Danish Patent and Trademark Office (DKPTO) on February 3rd to discuss the progress of their partnership and the next steps in this collaboration.

Authorities from both IP offices attended the meeting, held in Rio de Janeiro, including the Danish Ambassador to Brazil, Eva Bisgaard Pedersen, and DKPTO’s Director-General, Sune Stampe Sørensen. Representing BPTO were Schmuell Cantanhêde, Director of Trademarks, Industrial Designs, and Geographical Indications, Alexandre Ciancio, Deputy Director of Patents, and Leopoldo Coutinho, Coordinator of International Relations.

2024 Cooperation Outcomes and 2025 Expectations

Since 2017, Brazil and Denmark have worked together to enhance the registration, examination, and protection of IP rights, focusing on innovation and commercializing intangible assets in Latin America. In 2024, this collaboration led to advancements in areas such as communication, IP enforcement awareness, and digital business, as well as training sessions on IP crimes and organizational management.

The plan for 2025 includes initiatives focused on plain language, patent examination guidelines, and IT strategy. Additionally, workshops, technical visits, and a course on change management will be promoted. The first action of the year will be participation in the IP Key project event.

Impact of this Cooperation

The partnership between Brazil and Denmark demonstrates BPTO’s commitment to aligning its practices with international standards, making the Brazilian IP environment more efficient and predictable. This cooperation represents an opportunity for greater legal certainty, faster processes, and a more attractive market for innovation investments.

At Tavares IP, we closely monitor these developments to provide our clients with strategic insights and tailored Intellectual Property solutions in Brazil and Latin America. If your company wants to explore the Brazilian market with security and expertise, contact us to learn how we can support your IP strategy.

News

OpenAI accuses DeepSeek of copyright infringement

OpenAI, the developer of ChatGPT, has accused the Chinese startup DeepSeek of improperly using its artificial intelligence models to develop an open-source competitor chatbot. The allegation raises debates over copyright infringement and competition in the artificial intelligence sector, reflecting the growing technological rivalry between the United States and China.

Context and Key Allegations

OpenAI claims to have identified evidence of “distillation” by DeepSeek. This method, widely used in the industry, enables the creation of smaller, more efficient models by leveraging the results of more advanced models. However, according to OpenAI, when applied to its technology, this practice would violate its terms of service, prohibiting the reproduction or use of its products to develop direct competitors.

A Financial Times report highlights that this accusation emerges at a time when OpenAI itself is facing lawsuits over the alleged use of copyrighted materials, including content from The New York Times, to train its models.

Implications for the AI Industry

The controversy arises amid increasing global competition in the AI sector. The recent launch of DeepSeek’s R1 reasoning model has drawn attention to delivering performance comparable to leading U.S. models despite being developed with significantly fewer financial resources. This development has sparked discussions about maintaining technological leadership among major U.S. companies and the broader impacts on global competitiveness.

Moreover, the dispute underscores the role of intellectual property regulations in AI governance. The United States’ dominance in semiconductor production and restrictions on China’s access to these technologies are frequently cited as key factors in maintaining the U.S. advantage in AI. The rise of companies like DeepSeek could shift this balance and introduce new challenges for the industry.

Next Developments

OpenAI has blocked DeepSeek from accessing its API but has yet to provide concrete details on the evidence gathered. As of now, DeepSeek has not responded to the allegations. The outcome of this case could set important precedents for intellectual property protection and the regulation of the AI sector.

Given the growing importance of intellectual property in technological innovation, companies in the sector can benefit from robust strategies to safeguard their assets.

For more information on the best approach for your company, consult intellectual property experts.

Startups Granted Priority in Trademark and Patent Applications in Brazil
News

Startups Granted Priority in Trademark and Patent Applications in Brazil

Startups and innovative companies in Brazil registered under the Inova Simples special regime now enjoy priority processing for trademark and patent applications at the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO). This initiative bolsters the innovation ecosystem by expediting intellectual property rights recognition.

The Inova Simples regime was designed to simplify the formalization of startups and other innovative businesses. Eligible startups must be registered on the Redesim platform and provide a certificate verifying their status under Inova Simples when submitting applications through the e-INPI platform.

Advantages for Startups

Prioritizing intellectual property applications offers significant competitive advantages. Decisions on trademarks can be obtained in less than six months. Regarding patents, applications must already be filed and published, and the technical examination must be requested to qualify for expedited processing.

This expedited process is vital for startups participating in acceleration programs. These programs encourage strategic use of intellectual property to foster growth and safeguard small businesses’ innovations.

Understanding the Inova Simples Regime

Inova Simples supports disruptive or incremental entrepreneurial initiatives by allowing simplified formalization without requiring registration with the Commercial Registry. These entities, termed Simple Innovation Companies, may engage in the experimental commercialization of products or services up to the annual revenue limit set for micro-entrepreneurs (currently BRL 81,000).

This measure is another step towards creating a favorable environment for developing innovative solutions and attracting investments to Brazil.

If you are a startup looking to protect your trademark or patent, please contact us to learn how we can help.

News

Works Entering the Public Domain in 2025

The beginning of January marks the new year and Public Domain Day. On this date, works whose copyrights have expired become available for unrestricted use by the laws of each country.

In 2025, many works originally published in 1929 will enter the public domain. This transition allows them to be reused in new projects without authorization or licensing fees. Below are some of the key works that are now available.

Comics: Popeye and Tintin

Popeye the Sailor

Popeye first appeared on January 17, 1929, in the Thimble Theatre comic strip created by Elzie Crisler Segar. The character is widely recognized for gaining strength from spinach and his association with Olive Oyl, who has been in the public domain since 2015.

With Popeye entering the public domain, the character can now be used in new content and products without copyright restrictions.

The Adventures of Tintin

Belgian artist Georges Prosper Remi, known as Hergé, created Tintin and debuted in the Le Petit Vingtième newspaper. The series follows Tintin, a reporter, and his dog Snowy, with storylines often reflecting historical and political themes.

Tintin’s entry into the public domain enables new interpretations and productions based on the character and his adventures.

Literature, Music, and Film

Literary Works

Among the notable literary works from 1929 entering the public domain are:

  • A Farewell to Arms by Ernest Hemingway;
  • A Room of One’s Own by Virginia Woolf;
  • The Sound and the Fury by William Faulkner.

In Brazil, Oswald de Andrade’s works also enter the public domain, expanding access to key contributions of the Brazilian modernist movement.

Film

In the field of cinema, the following films will enter the public domain:

  • The Cocoanuts by the Marx Brothers;
  • Blackmail by Alfred Hitchcock;
  • The Wild Party starring Clara Bow.

Music

Notable musical compositions include:

  • Singin’ in the Rain;
  • Boléro by Maurice Ravel;
  • California, Here I Come.

These works can now be used in musical productions and other creative projects without licensing fees.

Considerations

The entry of works into the public domain in 2025 presents new opportunities for businesses, artists, and creators. The freedom to reuse these materials allows innovative and diverse content to be developed.

Please contact our office if you need guidance on using public domain works or have questions about intellectual property.

pi
News

Intellectual property as a Driver for Brazil’s Economic Growth and Investment Opportunities

The role of Intellectual Property (IP) in Brazil’s economic growth was a key topic at an event hosted by Amcham Brazil. The Executive Secretary of the Ministry of Development, Industry, Trade, and Services (MDIC), Marcio Elias Rosa, highlighted recent progress in Brazil’s IP policies and their contribution to creating a stable and predictable business environment for investors.

According to Rosa, IP modernization has been prioritized in national and international initiatives, including its inclusion in the recent Mercosur-European Union trade agreement. The agreement ensures recognition of Brazilian geographical indications (GIs), such as Canastra cheese and cachaça, in European markets.

“Strengthening intellectual Property is essential for the government’s economic agenda. It provides predictability for private-sector initiatives and ensures the legal security necessary to attract new investments,” stated Rosa.

Efforts to Address the Patent Backlog and Improve Efficiency

A key focus of Brazil’s IP reform has been reducing the patent backlog at the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO). Rosa reported a decrease in the average patent examination time from six to four years and two months, with plans to reach two years by 2026. The reforms include investments in technology, infrastructure, and workforce expansion through upcoming public recruitment processes.

Juliana Ghizzi Pires, Director of the Department of Intellectual Property Policy and Quality Infrastructure, emphasized the importance of structural changes within the ministry. “For the first time, the ministry has a dedicated department for IP policy, which has accelerated progress in this area,” she noted.

Intellectual Property as Part of Brazil’s Industrial Strategy

Intellectual Property also plays a central role in the government’s New Industry Brazil (NIB) initiative, which aims to support innovation and industrial development. IP policies have been integrated into the program’s six industrial priorities, strengthening collaboration between Scientific and Technological Institutions (ICTs) and the private sector.

Amcham CEO Abrão Neto acknowledged the importance of these reforms: “Policies that emphasize intellectual property as part of the industrial strategy are critical to fostering a more competitive and innovative economy.”

Implications for International Investors

The ongoing improvements to Brazil’s IP system indicate a more transparent and efficient environment for businesses and investors. By addressing longstanding challenges, Brazil aims to provide stronger legal foundations for companies looking to operate and expand in the region.

Tavares IP offers specialized support for international businesses navigating Brazil’s IP landscape. Our team ensures that your intellectual assets are protected and aligned with local regulations, enabling secure and effective market entry.

Contact us to learn more about Brazil’s evolving IP framework and how it can benefit your business.

adele
News

Court Ruling: Adele’s ‘Million Years Ago’ Removed from Platforms After Plagiarism Lawsuit by Brazilian Composer

The 6th Business Court of Rio de Janeiro has ordered the removal of the song “Million Years Ago” by British singer Adele from digital platforms after strong evidence of plagiarism involving the song “Mulheres,” composed by Toninho Geraes and sung by Martinho da Vila.

The court decision, resulting from a lawsuit by Toninho Geraes, points to “almost identical melodic similarity” between the works. This decision highlights the importance of protecting intellectual property across borders. In case of non-compliance, a fine of R$50,000 was established per infringing act.

The Brazilian composer filed the lawsuit in February of this year after unsuccessful attempts to reach an agreement with Adele, producer Greg Kurstin, and the record companies involved, including Sony and Universal. In addition to suspending the work, Toninho requests recognition of co-authorship, compensation, access to copyright, monetary adjustments, and interest.

Although preliminary, the decision represents a significant advance in protecting the rights of Brazilian composers and reinforces the seriousness of intellectual property legislation in the country.

Ensure the protection of your intellectual property

Cases like this highlight the importance of registering and monitoring your work. Tavares IP has been operating in the market for five decades, offering complete solutions in intellectual property and ensuring the recognition and appreciation of its clients’ creative work.

Contact our team of experts.

ai
News

Brazil: Senate Approves AI Regulatory Framework

The Senate has approved the regulatory framework for artificial intelligence (AI), defining rights, risks, and guidelines for using this technology in Brazil. The text now moves to the Chamber of Deputies.

Key points of the project include:

  • Classification of “high-risk” systems that may impact critical infrastructure, health, and justice.
  • The Brazilian Data Protection Authority (ANPD) coordinated the creation of the National System for Regulation and Governance of AI.
  • Mandatory remuneration for the use of copyrighted content in AI system training.

The proposal aims to balance technological advancement with preserving fundamental rights and providing greater legal security for companies and users.

Protect your creations and be prepared for the future of technology. Contact Tavares IP to discover how we can help your company secure its rights in the innovation landscape. Get in touch now.

patents
News

Brazil and Europe Renew Partnership to Expedite Patents Analysis

Brazil and Europe have renewed the cooperation agreement between the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) and the European Patent Office (EPO) for another five years. The renewal, published in the Official Gazette of the Union on November 29, guarantees the continuity of the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH). This project has facilitated the analysis of patents in both territories.

Through the PPH, Brazilian inventors can use the results of examinations carried out by the BPTO to expedite the processing of their patents at the EPO and vice versa. The new memorandum, signed by the presidents of the BPTO, Júlio César Moreira, and the EPO, Antonio Campinos, will come into effect on December 1, 2024, and will be valid until 2029.

This renewal reinforces Brazil and Europe’s commitment to simplifying intellectual property processes, reducing deadlines and costs for companies and inventors seeking protection in international markets. It is a strategic step to strengthen competitiveness and innovation in both countries.

Accelerate your patents with strategy and expertise

Our team at Tavares IP is ready to guide you in using the Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) and in all stages of patent registration and management, ensuring agility and legal security in the main global markets.

Please feel free to contact us today.

Budapest
News

Brazil Approves Accession to the Budapest Treaty on Patents for Microorganisms

On Wednesday (27), the Chamber of Deputies approved Brazil’s accession to the Budapest Treaty, which internationally recognizes the deposit of microorganisms for patent applications. The measure, provided for in Legislative Decree Project (PDL) 466/22, now awaits analysis by the Senate.

Key points about the Budapest Treaty and the impact of accession

  • Simplification of international processes: deposits of microorganisms made at any International Depositary Authority (IDA) will be valid in all signatory countries.
  • Reduced costs for inventors: accession eliminates the need for multiple deposits, facilitating the protection of international patents.
  • Strengthening of infrastructure in Brazil: Brazilian institutions may be recognized as IDAs, allowing deposits in the country itself.
  • Advances in the biotechnology sector: the treaty ensures greater legal certainty and competitiveness for patents involving biological materials, promoting the development of innovative technologies.

Prepare for new intellectual property protection scenarios

By joining the Budapest Treaty, Brazil aligns itself with international best practices in biotechnology patents. Is your company ready to take advantage of this new scenario?

Contact Tavares IP to learn how our team can help you.

Trademark Manual
News

BPTO Updates Trademark Manual: What changed?

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) has announced an update to its Trademark Manual, effective November 27, 2024. The new version introduces procedure changes and textual adjustments, intending to make processes more precise and efficient.

Updates of the Trademark Manual

  • Inclusion of a Deed of Assignment template as an annex to the Trademark Manual.
  • Addition of specific instructions for users regarding the issuance of certificates for highly renowned trademarks.
  • Refinement of procedures related to the reinterpretation of item VII, Article 124 of the Industrial Property Law (LPI), allowing registration of signs with both advertising and distinctive functions.
  • Textual adjustments regarding the investigation period for trademark non-use cancellation (caducity).
  • Updates addressing the filing of multiple petitions for name, address, or headquarters changes.
  • Revised information on requesting photocopies or digitization of documents.

You can visit the official website for a comprehensive overview of these updates.

Need support to understand how these changes impact your IP strategy?

At Tavares IP, we specialize in providing tailored solutions for intellectual property needs. Please contact us today to discuss how we can support your IP strategy.

Source: BPTO