Trademarks and Patents - Coronavirus Effects on BPTO's Operation

The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) had suspended the deadlines of all proceedings between March 16 and April 14 by INPI PR No. 120 of March 16. Today, however, INPI PR Ordinance No. 161 of April 13 was published, extending the suspension of deadlines until April 30.

What about deadlines with this update?

It is worth noting that the deadlines will return on May 4, the first business day after the end of the suspension, given the holiday of May 1 on Friday.

It is important to clarify that the use of this additional period remains optional. The user may file and respond to the proceedings normally during this period. To reduce the chances of delays in the processes of granting of trademarks and patents, our recommendation is to opt for the extension of the deadline only as a last resort.

Barcellos Tucunduva Advogados - Intellectual Property Team
Dr. Karin Klempp Franco, LL.M. - kklempp@btlaw.com.br
Luiz Fernando Andrade - landrade@btlaw.com.br
Livia Moraes - lmoraes@btlaw.com.br