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>[26.oct.06] General - INPI Paper Less
Source: Infomail ABREU, MERKL no 10

In order to reduce the well-known backlog of approximately 600,000 trademark applications and 150,000 patent applications waiting examination, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) announced a plan endowed with many measures, such as hiring new examiners and simplifying internal procedures.

The most commented measure is the electronic filing, whose filings began last September. The so called “INPI paper less” aims to completely eliminate paper filings. Initially, the measure contemplates trademark applications and motions. Later on it is planned to be implemented for patents and industrial designs prosecution.

Announced by the INPI´s President as the solution to provide faster and precise decisions, to meet the expectations of the companies and the scientific community, the INPI hopes that the system will improve its image. Notwithstanding, there is some concern about this system, especially about its implementation, it is common to have great solutions creating bigger problems. For instance, in 2000 the INPI adopted abruptly, without a transition period, the International Trademark Classification System, which strongly contributed to the current backlog.

The new plan, if correctly and effectively implemented, should generate very good results and guarantee both Brazilian and foreign industrial property owners a stronger and more efficient protection for their IP rights in Brazil.

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