The Brazilian Patent Trademark Office (INPI) will accelerate examination of patents associated with combating COVID-19

The measure was made official through Ordinance No. 149/2020, published on April 7, 2020, amending Resolution 239/19, which regulates the priority procedure for patent application processes, to allow it in the examination of patent applications related to COVID-19.

This prioritization will be valid until June 30, 2021, and focuses on examination of patent applications related to pharmaceutical products, processes, equipment and/or materials for use in health, aiming at the diagnosis, prophylaxis and treatment of COVID-19.

The request for priority procedure must be filed by the Applicant or interested third party, individual or legal entity, and should contain a clarification indicating the relationship of the matter of the process with the diagnosis, prophylaxis and/or treatment of COVID-19 patients.

In addition to the actions taken in examining patents, INPI is also working to encourage the patenting of innovations in Brazil, also with a focus on combating COVID-19.

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