BPTO joins the Global PPH program

In brief

With a focus on optimizing patent processes and increasing Brazil’s inclusion in the Global Intellectual Property System, the BPTO will join, on July 6th, the Global Patent Prosecution Highway program (Global PPH or GPPH).

The GPPH is a multilateral cooperation program between intellectual property offices, with the participation of 27 IP offices. It aims to accelerate the processing of patent applications, by sharing the examination of any participating office, which indicates the existence of patentable matter, including the results obtained under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Currently, the BPTO has bilateral Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) agreements with 23 national or regional partner offices. Now with the GPPH membership, the number of partner offices will increase to 35.

Comments

The current PPH rules, established by BPTO/PR Ordinance No. 78/2022, will remain valid until the publication of a new Ordinance. The results of exams from the new partner offices can only be used after the publication of the new Ordinance.