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On October 20, Brazil officially filed its instrument of accession to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Procedure, at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland.

With the participation of the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO), Brazil becomes the 92nd member state to join the treaty, marking an important step toward modernizing its patent system and advancing biotechnology innovation.

Lower costs and greater efficiency for biotech patent filings

By joining the treaty, Brazil may now nominate local institutions as International Depositary Authorities (IDAs), allowing for national storage and recognition of biological materials used in patent applications.

This development is expected to reduce costs and logistical challenges faced by Brazilian researchers and inventors, while providing greater legal certainty and streamlined procedures for biotechnology-related patents.

Aligning IP policy with sustainability and innovation goals

The accession aligns with Brazil’s public policies for innovation and biodiversity protection, particularly as the country prepares to host COP-30.

It also reinforces Brazil’s commitment to sustainable technological development and international IP harmonization, positioning the nation as a key player in biotechnology and genetic resource management.

South-South cooperation and international partnerships

In the same event, WIPO and Brazil (through BPTO and the Ministry of Foreign Affairs) announced the creation of a cooperation fund with Latin American and African countries.

The fund, valued at R$1.5 million over four years, will support capacity-building projects and joint initiatives in innovation and IP management, consolidating Brazil’s leadership in South-South collaboration.

Implications for IP professionals

For IP practitioners and biotech companies, Brazil’s adherence to the Budapest Treaty offers new strategic advantages:

• simplified compliance with international patent standards,
• reduced dependency on foreign depositaries, and
• expanded opportunities for local R&D partnerships.

It marks a turning point for biotechnology patenting in Brazil, enhancing the country’s global competitiveness in the field.

Learn how Brazil’s accession to the Budapest Treaty may impact biotech patent filings.

→ Contact Tavares IP for tailored guidance on local requirements and opportunities.

Jovi, a smartphone brand developed exclusively for the Brazilian market by Vivo Mobile Communication Co., has reached a significant milestone this week by opening its 1,500th retail outlet at the Casas Bahia Megastore on Marginal Tietê in São Paulo.

The milestone, achieved just four months after its debut in Brazil, highlights Jovi’s fast-paced national expansion, driven by local manufacturing, premium customer service, and strategic retail partnerships.

Local Production and Nationwide Footprint

Jovi operates a manufacturing facility in Manaus (AM) with an annual production capacity of 100,000 smartphones, reinforcing its commitment to local industry development.

The company also maintains offices in seven Brazilian capitals — São Paulo, Florianópolis, Rio de Janeiro, Brasília, Fortaleza, Manaus, and Recife — and is currently opening a new unit in Porto Alegre to strengthen its presence in southern Brazil.

Retail and Digital Growth

Jovi’s retail expansion strategy includes partnerships with major national and regional chains, such as Bemol in the Amazon region.

In the digital space, Jovi already operates official stores on Shopee and Mercado Livre, underscoring its omnichannel approach and commitment to seamless customer experience.

Innovation and After-Sales Service as a Competitive Edge

Beyond retail growth, Jovi stands out for offering a unique after-sales model in Brazil, focusing on quick technical support and premium customer care.

This approach positions the brand as a benchmark for accessible, reliable technology and reflects a broader trend of Chinese companies localizing operations to strengthen their competitiveness in Latin America.

Between 2025 and 2026, Brazil will welcome one of the largest waves of new Chinese car brands in its history. Denza, Leapmotor, Changan, MG Motor, Jetour, Polestar, and Lynk & Co have announced plans to enter the country, focusing on electric, hybrid, and connected vehicles with a premium positioning.

This movement reflects China’s long-term strategy to consolidate its global leadership in electric mobility and automotive innovation.

Electric Performance and Premium Design Drive the Expansion

Leading the initiative, Denza, BYD’s luxury division, will debut with the B5 SUV and Z9 GT sedan, emphasizing performance and sophistication.

Leapmotor, now in a joint venture with Stellantis (Fiat, Jeep, Peugeot), will introduce the C10 and B10, available in electric or plug-in hybrid versions — a fusion of Chinese innovation with global infrastructure.

Changan, one of China’s oldest automakers, will enter the market through a partnership with Caoa, targeting the SUV segment with models Uni-T and CS75.

MG Motor, under SAIC Motor, returns to Brazil after a decade, this time with a fully electric lineup. At the same time, Jetour, part of the Chery Group, plans to compete in the luxury SUV segment with hybrid plug-in models.

High-End Innovation and Connectivity for 2026

In 2026, two key entries are expected: Polestar, Geely’s high-performance electric brand (which also owns Volvo and Zeekr), and Lynk & Co, focused on connected vehicles and digital-first ownership models.

Brazil’s Role in the Future of Electric Mobility

With a growing market and increasing interest in sustainable technologies, Brazil is emerging as a strategic destination for China’s automotive expansion.

Experts suggest this movement could strengthen local industry capabilities, attract direct investment, and position Brazil as a regional hub for electric mobility and innovation.

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) took part in the International Forum on Promoting the Use of Intellectual Property for the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), held on October 4 during Expo Osaka 2025 in Japan.

The event gathered leaders from major international institutions, including the Japan Patent Office (JPO), the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), and the European Patent Office (EPO), alongside representatives from the IP offices of Canada, Chile, China, South Korea, the Philippines, France, and Laos.

BPTO was represented by Alexandre Dantas, Director of Patents, Computer Programs, and Topographies of Integrated Circuits.

Intellectual Property as a Driver for the SDGs

Discussions focused on how intellectual property can catalyze sustainable solutions and climate action.

The forum showcased initiatives under WIPO Green, a project accelerating the adoption of green technologies worldwide, in which BPTO has participated since 2019. The Green Technologies Book – Expo Osaka Special Edition was also launched during the event, presenting key innovations supporting environmental sustainability.

Recognition and Inclusion in Global Innovation

The event featured the presentation of the JPO–WIPO Expo 2025 Award, recognizing companies that use intellectual property to build sustainable societies.

In addition, a panel discussion addressed the role of women and young innovators in promoting diversity and inclusion across global innovation ecosystems.

Brazil’s Role in International IP Cooperation

BPTO’s participation reinforces Brazil’s commitment to the global sustainability agenda and its efforts to leverage intellectual property as a tool for technological and environmental progress.

These initiatives highlight Brazil’s position as a strategic partner in green innovation and sustainable development.

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) took part in the 5th Brazil–Sweden Innovation Week, held last week, marking ten years of cooperation between the two countries in promoting sustainable innovation.

Organized by the Brazilian Embassy in Sweden, the event is part of the Diplomacy for Innovation initiative, which brings together institutions from both countries to exchange experiences and foster technological partnerships.

Using Patent Data to Drive Sustainable Innovation

During the panel “Decarbonization and circular economy: a new frontier for cooperation in innovation?”, Irene von der Weid, Head of the Division of Industrial Property and Innovation Studies at BPTO, presented “Using patent data to foster sustainable innovation.”

The presentation explored how patent information can support sustainable innovation policies, guide investment decisions, and enhance public policy design for green technologies.

Brazilian Initiatives in Green Technologies and International Cooperation

BPTO’s initiatives showcased at the event included the Green Technologies Observatory, technology radar reports on sustainable innovation, and the fast-track program for green patents.

The event also featured bilateral meetings on Aeronautics, Bioeconomy, Smart Cities, and Sustainable Mining, where BPTO presented studies on AI applications in aviation and Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAF).

Brazil as a Global Partner for Innovation

By participating in the event, BPTO reinforces Brazil’s commitment to advancing international collaboration and supporting the development of sustainable technologies — strengthening the country’s role as a strategic partner in global innovation.

New regulation aims to simplify requirements and boost Brazil’s artisanal cosmetics sector.

The Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency opened today (October 13) a public consultation on new rules to regulate the artisanal production of cosmetics, personal care products, and perfumes.

The proposal includes a Board Resolution (RDC) and a Normative Instruction (IN) detailing the technical requirements and listing which products may be produced on a small-scale, handcrafted basis.

Regulatory background

This initiative follows Law No. 15.154/2025, which amended Law No. 6.360/1976, establishing a new regulatory framework for the artisanal cosmetics sector.

Under the new law, handmade cosmetics — produced in small quantities, without automated machinery or complex industrial processes — are exempt from registration and subject to simplified requirements. These products must also be sold directly to final consumers, without intermediaries.

Public consultation open as of today

The consultation will remain open for 45 days, starting today (October 13). During this period, any individual or organization can submit comments and suggestions to help refine the regulation before its final approval by the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency.

This participatory approach reflects the Brazilian Health Regulatory Agency’s commitment to transparency and stakeholder engagement in regulatory processes.

Potential impact

The regulation is expected to encourage the formalization of small producers, drive innovation in artisanal formulations, and enhance legal certainty in the sector.

Foreign companies and intellectual property firms should closely monitor this development, as it may expand opportunities in Brazil’s growing cosmetics and personal care market.

The new framework aims to accelerate access to medicines, attract investments, and enhance Brazil’s global competitiveness in clinical research.

A new milestone for science and innovation

The Brazilian government has enacted the new Clinical Research Law, marking a significant step toward strengthening the country’s scientific and innovation ecosystem.

The regulation provides greater legal certainty and streamlined procedures, making Brazil a more attractive destination for international research and development initiatives.

Currently ranked 20th globally in clinical research participation, Brazil is expected to rise to 10th place following the implementation of the new rules.

Economic potential and market impact

According to a study by Interfarma and IQVIA, the new law could generate BRL 2.1 billion (approx. USD 400 million) in direct annual investments, with an economic impact exceeding BRL 6.3 billion per year. Additionally, an estimated 56,000 scientific professionals could be involved in new research projects.

Brazil stands out for its cost advantages, diverse population, and qualified research centers, which strengthen its position as a strategic hub for global clinical studies.

Faster and more efficient approval processes

The new regulation significantly shortens approval timelines for clinical trials:

• From 180 to 30 days for Ethics Committees (CEPs);
• Up to 90 business days for ANVISA evaluations;
• And 15 business days for strategic or emergency public health studies.

These changes aim to make Brazil’s regulatory environment more agile, transparent, and competitive in the global R&D landscape.

A boost for innovation and collaboration

The Ministry of Health expects the new framework to double the number of clinical studies conducted in Brazil, strengthening cooperation between public institutions, private industry, and international organizations.

Beyond advancing innovation, the measure should stimulate the local pharmaceutical industry, create jobs, and expand access to innovative treatments.

Tavares IP continues to monitor regulatory developments shaping innovation and intellectual property in Brazil.

Read more insights about the IP landscape on our blog.

The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (BPTO) hosted the 2nd Symposium of the Community of Practice (CoP) in IP Analytics, organized in partnership with the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO). This was the first edition of the event held outside Geneva, Switzerland.

The symposium brought together 31 representatives from 11 countries — including Brazil, South Africa, Canada, China, and Spain — as well as institutions such as WIPO, the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), and the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD). The main goal was to exchange experiences and discuss methodologies and applications of IP analytical studies.

Topics included data storytelling in IP, patent and intangible asset indicators, and the use of IP data to support public policy. Discussions also addressed the use of analytics to assist patent examiners, the expansion of the community’s scope to include all IP assets, and the relevance of analytical research for sustainable and technological development.

The program featured technical sessions, collaborative activities, and a visit to Petrobras’ Research Center (Cenpes). Representatives from WIPO and BPTO highlighted the collaborative nature of the initiative and the intention to expand participation in future editions.

The event underscored the growing importance of IP Analytics as a tool to inform innovation policies and assess the economic and social impact of Intellectual Property.

São Paulo has climbed to the 49th position in the World Intellectual Property Organization’s (WIPO) ranking of global science and technology clusters — a remarkable jump of 24 spots. The rise reflects the inclusion of venture capital (VC) as a new indicator in the Global Innovation Index, highlighting the role of high-growth investments in fostering innovation.

Alongside Mexico City, São Paulo is the only hub in Latin America to appear in the world’s top 100. Over the course of four years, the city recorded 684 international patent applications, 24,349 scientific publications, and 1,587 venture capital deals.

The result underscores São Paulo’s growing relevance in the global innovation ecosystem and the importance of VC investments in supporting startups and frontier technologies.