Since September 12, 2017, when the new online system for computer program registration has been launched, users rely on a more advanced, secure and fully computerized service. In order to reduce the exchange rate, the average registration reduced from 1,200 days for up to 7 business days. The use of the digital signature also offers greater legal insurance for the user.
The e-RPC system came to reduce the bureaucracy of public services promoted by the Ministry of Industry, Foreign Trade, and Services (MDIC). In Brazil, the computer program registration is carried out by the BPTO and copyrighted in 176 countries that are part of the Berne Convention, which is valid for 50 years.
With the evolution of IT and the substantial increase of investments in the area, there is an increased demand for software protection, given the competition and the unauthorized structure of the intangible asset.
According to the 2017 Brazilian Software and Services market study, launched by the Brazilian Association of Software Companies (ABES) in partnership with IDC (International Data Corporation), points out investments of US $ 38 billion in IT hardware, software and services in Brazil during the year 2017, which makes the country today occupy the 9th place in the world ranking. The survey also indicates a growth of 4.5% in investments compared to 2016, with a highlight of 4.1% in 2018.
*Translated and adapted from the BPTO’s official page. The original publication (in Portuguese) can be found here