Brazil: e-patents is not enough

Last week INPI, taking another step toward computerization of patent offices, has inserted into the system over 2,500 patent applications for examination. This is at the moment, for internal use only but it is expected that for 2012 there will be the launch of the external one. From this point onwards, it will be easier “to make deposits and submit petitions as requests are made via the Internet, and processing will be faster, helping to reduce the period of examination”, INPI noted.

However, INPI observed that to accelerate the test, it will not stop in e-patents only. INPI is looking to hire new staff to meet the growing demand for patents in this country. It also informs that in the case of internal procedures, actions are being prepared to renumber the claims, making follow-up; prioritize requests in strategic areas such as the so-called green patents and nanotechnology, and discuss the guidelines for examination.

As if this were not enough, regarding the issue of international cooperation, the goal is to expand the activities of information exchange among patent examiners, a project that is underway in PROSUR, involving nine South American countries.