Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPO) Launches Phase V of the PPH Program
The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) has announced Phase V of its Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program through Ordinance No. 48/2024, published on December 10, 2024. This new phase, effective January 1, 2025, introduces significant updates and expands opportunities for expedited patent examination.
Key changes introduced by Ordinance No. 48/2024 include:
- Global PPH Integration: The BPTO now accepts examination outcomes from all Global PPH member offices
- Expanded Limits: The annual limit has increased to 3,200 requests, with up to 1,000 requests allowed per International Patent Classification (IPC) section.
- Broader Acceptance of Examination Results: Results of substantive examinations containing patentable subject matter from partner offices, including PCT-related subject matter, will now be accepted.
- Removal of Restrictions: Previous restrictions on PCT-based requests and one request per applicant per week have been eliminated.
This program continues to provide a valuable tool for expedited patent examination in Brazil. Given that annual limits are typically reached quickly, we recommend submitting requests as early as possible to secure inclusion within the program’s limit for the year.
For additional information or support with PPH filings, do not hesitate to contact Rosario Mauro at rmauro@ojambf.com or patents@ojambf.com.
