News

Brazilian innovation in renewable energy gained particular attention. Researchers at the Federal University of Paraná (UFPR) developed a solar panel that is the thickness of a sheet of paper. According to the program presented by Laura Marise from the channel “Não Vi 1 Cientista” in the section “Brazilians need to be studied,” this ultra-thin technology promises to revolutionize how we use solar energy.

With its extremely thin thickness, the solar panel created by UFPR researchers can be applied to various surfaces, from building walls to accessories and mobile devices. Imagine a future where entire buildings are covered with these panels, generating energy from sunlight. Or even devices that can be automatically recharged just by exposure to the sun. The versatility of this solar panel opens up a range of innovative possibilities in using renewable energy.

Solar Panel Energy Efficiency

One of the most impressive features of this new technology is its efficiency. The ultralight solar panels developed by Brazilian researchers can generate up to three times more energy than conventional solar panels. This superior efficiency is a significant advancement in the field of renewable energy, making the technology more effective and attractive for a broader range of applications.

Another crucial advantage of this solar panel innovation is the ease of large-scale production. UFPR researchers highlight that paper solar panels can be manufactured faster and cheaper than traditional models. This mass production capacity is essential for the widespread and large-scale adoption of the technology, potentially making solar energy more accessible and affordable.

Future impact

These ultralight solar cells are expected to become even more economical and durable as technology advances. The accessibility and efficiency of new solar panels promise to benefit several industrial sectors and facilitate access to quality electrical energy for many people. With this innovation, Brazil can lead the development of renewable energy technologies, contributing significantly to global sustainability.

Source: CPG

Microsoft AI CEO Mustafa Suleyman made somewhat controversial statements when he said in an interview with CNBC that everything published on the internet is “freeware” — that is, anyone can copy and use it as they wish. The statement came after the interviewer’s question, who wanted to know whether AI companies take intellectual properties from the web to train artificial intelligence models.

AI can be trained with everything on the internet

When calling online content “freeware,” Suleyman says there is no problem using network publications in generative AI training, such as OpenAI’s ChatGPT and Microsoft’s Copilot.

“I think that, with regard to content that is already on the open web, the social contract for this content since the 90s has been fair use”, points out the CEO of MS. “Anyone can copy it, recreate with it, reproduce with it. This has been ‘freeware’ if you prefer, that has been the understanding”, he concludes.

The problem with this “understanding” is that there are countless cases of intellectual property online, from videos on YouTube to texts on sites. Furthermore, photos and other media also fall under different rules, just like content on social networks. Therefore, it is likely that Suleyman is wrong when he claims that everything is “freeware” on the internet.

Microsoft and OpenAI are being sued

It is worth remembering that in December 2023, the American newspaper The New York Times filed a lawsuit against Microsoft and OpenAI, accusing the companies of copyright infringement in training artificial intelligence models.

The famous news portal claims it lost “billions of dollars” because chatbots used its content and information without permission.

Source: CanalTech

Leia em português aqui.

An initiative by the National Council to Combat Piracy allows inspection agents to immediately contact the legal representative when they come across a counterfeit product and verify its origin.

The National Consumer Secretariat, through the National Council to Combat Piracy (CNCP) and, in partnership with the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO), launched another feature of the National Directory Against Trademark Counterfeiting. The platform now has a public page for authorities with police and inspection powers to quickly access the contacts of representatives of original trademarks to combat counterfeiting.

The accessible consultation for consumers, companies, and supervisory bodies aims to promote transparency and cooperation in combating piracy and trademark counterfeiting. The announcement was made during the 3rd Ordinary Meeting of the CNCP. It reinforced the federal government’s commitment to defending intellectual property and combating crimes such as piracy, smuggling, and associated tax evasion.

“Now, inspection agents will be able to act with greater agility and precision when identifying counterfeit products, thus protecting consumers and encouraging a fairer and more legal market environment in Brazil,” highlighted the National Consumer Secretary, Wadih Damous.

Discover more

The National Directory Against Trademark Counterfeiting aims to centralize and make information available about counterfeit products, facilitating identifying and combating of this type of crime. The launched functionality will allow all security and inspection forces to access data on trademarks registered in the Directory, which today total more than 35 thousand. With the module, when faced with a counterfeit or smuggled product, the police or inspection agent can immediately contact the legal representative in order to acquire more evidence about the counterfeit.

The CNCP executive secretary, Andrey Corrêa, highlighted the importance of this tool in strengthening actions to combat counterfeiting in the country. “Publicizing this part of the Directory is a fundamental step to ensure the best level of information for frontline inspection agents who fight against the circulation of counterfeit products, which harm both the economy and the health and safety of consumers,” he stated.

In addition to providing a public list of contacts, the Directory will also continuously update all data and information on the platform, which can be accessed by consumers, police, and federal inspection authorities.

How it works

The Directory was developed on a free platform with no financial costs. There are two levels of access: restricted and for receiving information.

Restricted registration will be authorized by Senacon’s CNCP, requested from BPTO, and permitted only to public servants assigned to the following bodies and entities: Ministry of Justice and Public Security; Federal Police Department; Federal Highway Police Department; Secretariat of the Federal Revenue Brazil; Federal Public Ministry; Public Ministries of the States and the Federal District; Public Security Secretariats of the States and the Federal District; Civil Police Departments of the States and the Federal District; Institute of Criminalistics or Expertise of the States and the Federal District; and National Institute of Industrial Property.

Registration for reception is open to all interested parties. Information must be requested by email directioagentepublico@inpi.gov.br. Registration must also be requested from the BPTO, where advice from brand specialists will be available. They will answer questions and send the information contained in the restricted area.

Source: Brazilian Ministry of Justice and Public Security

Leia em português aqui.

The BPTO published in the Industrial Property Magazine of June 18, 2024, the grant of registration for a Geographical Indication (GI) in the Denomination of Origin (DO) species for Scotch, referring to whiskey produced in Scotland.

This is the first foreign GI registered since 2019, and it is the 124th in total, with 88 Indications of Origin (IPs—all national) and 36 DOs (26 national and 10 foreign).

Discover about this IG

The delimited region encompasses the entire Scottish territory, with emphasis on the towns of Campbeltown and Islay and the regions of Highland, Lowland, and Speyside.

Among the fundamental aspects that prove the direct relationship between the quality of the product and the geographic environment, the cold climate stands out. With harsh winters and mild summers, it provides the perfect conditions for aging the distillate in oak barrels.

Water is another fundamental element in the production of whiskey. Scotland is abundant in natural water sources, including rivers, streams, and springs. Distilleries obtain their water from these sources, which imparts specific mineral qualities to the final product and contributes to its flavor.

Another important natural factor is the abundant supply of peat (partially decomposed organic material found in the extensive bogs of Scotland), which is used in the process of malting barley to produce whiskey. When peat is burned to dry malted barley, smoke is produced, giving the grain and, consequently, the drink a distinct smoky flavor.

The traditional know-how of drink mixers (called blenders) is crucial to the flavor profiles and sensory attributes of the drink. Together with the other factors, it gives Scotch whiskey unique characteristics.

Source: BPTO

Leia em Português aqui.

In a pioneering initiative, São Paulo State University (Unesp) will inaugurate on June 13th the first Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization (CDMO) with a Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) environment in Latin America. Located in Botucatu, 230 km from São Paulo, the facility will be operated by the Center for the Study of Venoms and Venomous Animals (Cevap) and will focus on the development and production of biological medicines.

This new CDMO aims to provide specialized services to the pharmaceutical industry, producing pilot batches of biopharmaceuticals for clinical trials in a validated environment. Additionally, the facility will house a school for professional training and qualification in Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP) and offer space for biotechnology startups.

What is a CDMO?

A CDMO, or Contract Development and Manufacturing Organization, offers outsourced development and manufacturing services for pharmaceutical, biotechnological, or research companies. CDMOs are essential partners in assisting companies with the creation, development, and production of medicines, from initial research phases to commercial manufacturing and distribution, always adhering to regulatory guidelines.

Importance of CDMOs

CDMOs are valuable partners for pharmaceutical and biotechnological companies, offering a wide range of services that cover research and development, manufacturing, quality control, regulatory affairs, logistics, and distribution. They are particularly useful for companies that:
1.    Have promising medicines but lack manufacturing capacity.
2.    Need to quickly scale up production.
3.    Are developing complex medicines with stringent regulatory requirements.
4.    Seek flexibility and cost reduction.
5.    Aim to rapidly launch new medicines or expand into new markets.
6.    Prefer to focus on their core competencies and outsource manufacturing.

Services Offered

Key services provided by CDMOs include:
•     Research and Development: Formulation and development of medicines, stability studies and analytical testing, process development, and optimization.
•     Manufacturing: Small and large-scale production, manufacturing of various pharmaceutical forms, sterilization, and packaging.
•     Quality Control: Rigorous quality testing to ensure compliance with regulatory standards, process monitoring, and batch release.
•     Regulatory Affairs: Assistance in obtaining regulatory approvals and compliance with international standards (GMP).
•     Logistics and Distribution: Storage, transport, and distribution of medicines

A Growing Sector

The global market for biological medicines is experiencing significant and steady growth, with projections for 2024 estimating values up to US$ 300 billion. In Brazil, this sector moved approximately R$ 40 billion in 2023, with continuous growth expected.

The inauguration of the CDMO at Unesp marks a crucial moment for the research and production of biopharmaceuticals in Brazil. This innovative project offers essential infrastructure for the development of high-quality medicines. It will boost Brazilian biopharmaceutical production.

Source: G1

Leia em Português aqui.

Adopted by consensus by 176 member countries, the World Intellectual Property Organization agreement is the result of two decades of negotiations.

Brazil signed the Treaty on Intellectual Property, Genetic Resources, and Associated Traditional Knowledge at the Diplomatic Conference of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), which closed in Geneva, Switzerland, last Friday, May 24.

The decision by WIPO, an international entity part of the United Nations (UN) System, is the body’s first agreement to interrelate intellectual property with respect for the genetic heritage and knowledge of indigenous peoples and traditional communities.

Presided over by Brazil’s permanent representative to the International Economic Organizations, the conference results from two decades of negotiations at WIPO. Brazil acted to incorporate respect for the genetic heritage and knowledge of indigenous peoples and traditional communities into the intellectual property system. With the treaty adopted by consensus by 176 WIPO member countries, patent applicants must disclose access to genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge necessary for their inventions.

Genetic resources include plants commonly linked to indigenous peoples and local communities for their use, conservation, and tradition, passed down through generations. Although genetic resources in their natural state cannot be directly protected as intellectual property (IP), inventions developed using these resources meet the requirements for obtaining protection, generally through patents. This is a historical issue for developing and megadiverse countries in the intellectual property regime, with expected impacts on multilateral environmental regimes and agreements such as CBD, Nagoya Protocol, TIRFAA, and BBNJ.

“Today is a historic day in many ways, not only because it is the new WIPO treaty in more than a decade, but also because it is the first to address the genetic resources and traditional knowledge held by Indigenous peoples and local communities. In this way, we demonstrate that the intellectual property system can continue to encourage innovation and, at the same time, evolve inclusively, responding to the needs of all countries and their communities”, said WIPO Director General Daren Tang.

PATENTS — Under the treaty, patent applicants whose inventions are based on genetic resources or associated traditional knowledge must disclose the country of origin, the original source of these resources, and which indigenous peoples or local communities provided the traditional knowledge used in research.

Since the resulting inventions occur in industrial sectors with a significant market share, such as pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food, and others, the agreement strengthens efforts to conserve biodiversity by facilitating the benefits generated from these inventions are shared with the countries of origin of the genetic resources and with the people and communities that hold the associated traditional knowledge.

This is a historic and innovative step for Carolina Miranda, general coordinator of International Regulation at the Secretariat of Copyright and Intellectual Rights (SDAI) of the Ministry of Culture (MinC). “This treaty has a range of norms adapted to these traditional communities. It is a new way of looking at intellectual property, adapting its concepts to respect the needs of traditional communities and issues such as those of original peoples,” “he explained.

CONTRIBUTION TO SCIENCE – The agreement is a milestone in the international intellectual property regime that translates into concrete actions in the economic objectives of environmental protection and promotion of human rights. Brazil’s commitment to the negotiations reiterates Brazil’s determination to seek, also through multilateral means, opportunities to generate sustainable employment and income for traditional communities, supporting the conservation of forests and biodiversity.

The instrument could promote science and innovation in biodiverse countries. It should facilitate the inclusion of traditional communities in sharing economic benefits derived from patents that use their knowledge and customs. Judging by the Brazilian experience (patent applicants are already obliged to reveal this information in the country), the agreement’s benefits may also be felt by countries that host industries that use genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge. According to INPI, since 2015, when the Biodiversity Law came into force, the number of patent requests that use genetic resources and associated traditional knowledge has increased considerably, indicating an incentive for innovation.

In addition to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, the Brazilian delegation included the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change, the Ministry of Indigenous Peoples, the Ministry of Justice, and the National Institute of Industrial Property, and had the participation of representatives of indigenous peoples from different biomes.

Brazil’s commitment to concluding the treaty was widely recognized in its choice to preside over the Diplomatic Conference, which signals the international perception of the country’s relevant role as a facilitator of consensual solutions for advances in the global agenda while keeping alive the space of economic multilateralism.

Source: Brazilian Government

Leia em Português aqui.

On May 3, 2024, Law No. 14,852 was sanctioned, establishing a new legal framework for the electronic games industry in Brazil. The legislation modifies the Intellectual Property Law (LPI) and regulates electronic games’ manufacture, import, commercialization, development, and commercial use. It is important to highlight that this regulation does not include betting, poker, and other games involving cash prizes.

Main Highlights of the New Law

• Tax Incentives: The electronic games industry will receive tax incentives similar to those provided in the Rouanet and Audiovisual Law.
• Customs Regulation: The government will regulate customs clearance and import fees for electronic games, promoting innovation in the sector.
• Support for Developers: Individual entrepreneurs and individual microentrepreneurs (MEIs) who develop electronic games will receive special treatment, which will be detailed in future regulations.

Protection for Children and Adolescents

The new legislation also establishes measures to protect children and teenagers who use electronic games:

• Design and Operation: The conception, design, management, and operation of games aimed at children and adolescents must meet the interests of this age group.
• Safeguards in Interactive Games: Interactive games must include systems for receiving complaints and reports.
• Safe Environment: Electronic game providers must ensure that their services do not promote negligence, discrimination, exploitation, violence, cruelty, or oppression against children and adolescents.

The State will be responsible for carrying out the indicative age classification of games, considering the risks associated with digital purchases, to avoid excessive consumption by children.

Source: ABPI

Meta, which manages Facebook, Instagram, and WhatsApp, won an appeal in court, allowing the company to continue using its trademark in Brazil. Judge Heraldo de Oliveira, from the São Paulo Court of Justice, suspended the effects of a previous decision that prevented the technology conglomerate from using the name “Meta” in the country.

At the end of February, the São Paulo Court had given Meta 30 days to stop using the name in Brazil. The daily fine for non-compliance had been set at R$100,000.

The decision was taken by the 1st Chamber of Business Law of the Court of Justice at the request of a Brazilian company, also in the technology segment, which has held the trademark registration granted by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) since 2008.

Risk of harm, according to the magistrate

When analyzing Meta’s appeal, Judge Heraldo de Oliveira, president of the private law section of the São Paulo Court of Justice, considered that there is a risk of damage that would be difficult to repair if the company was forced to comply with the previous decision and stop using the brand, since that there is the possibility of reversing the case in higher courts.

“The risk of irreparable damage or damage that is difficult to repair arises from the losses that would be caused by compliance, from the outset, with the determination that the appellant (Meta) cease the use of the trademarks containing the term ‘META’ and provide postings on its channels of communication and sending of letters to public bodies, within thirty calendar days, considering the possibility of reversing the R. (respectable) decision attacked, by the E. (Egrégia) Superior Court,” decided the judge, on Friday, 15.

Source: Exame

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) pressured parliamentarians to approve a draft legislative decree (PDL) related to the Budapest Treaty. The proposal introduces this pact into the Brazilian legal framework, which provides rules for depositing microorganisms for patent applications.

The text has already passed through several committees of the Chamber of Deputies. However, the rapporteur’s opinion in the House’s Constitution, Justice, and Citizenship Committee (CCJC) is still awaiting approval.

The BPTO, represented by its president, Júlio César Moreira, has been talking to federal deputies and senators to demand progress in the process, as it understands that Brazil’s adherence to the treaty is beneficial for research and development of biotechnology.

The main advantage of including the Budapest Treaty in Brazilian legislation is the reduced costs and time for sending and filling microorganisms for patents.

These microscopic beings are currently widely used in agricultural production but can also be used by the pharmaceutical industry.

Detailed Description

A complete description of the invention sought to be protected in a patent application is necessary. The guidelines must be clear enough so that a technician in the area can reproduce the product without unnecessary or exaggerated efforts.

When a patent is granted to an inventor, third parties cannot commercialize the product for 20 years. However, the system ensures that these third parties can appropriately know the invention, study it, and place something on the market after the exclusive protection period or even innovate immediately.

“Whoever appropriates that information can go to the laboratory, develop a new product based on that existing knowledge, edge, and file a new patent,” explains the president of BPTO. “That’s what the system exists for to encourage innovation and new products on the market.”

In cases where the invention involves biological material — microorganisms — the written description is insufficient to meet this objective. Therefore, besides the report, a strain of microorganisms used in the product must be deposited in a reference center.

These centers are called international depository authorities (IDAs). They are responsible for storing the microorganisms, conserving them, and making them available to the public upon request.

IDAs, for patent purposes, are regulated by the Budapest Treaty, signed in Hungary in 1977 and force since 1980. Currently, 89 countries are signatories to the pact.

Under the rules of the treaty, countries are required to recognize microorganisms deposited in IDAs as part of the patent-obtaining procedure. Thus, a deposit with one of these authorities is valid for all signatories.

Brazil

Although Brazil is not yet part of the Budapest Treaty, the BPTO accepts the file of biological material in ID; that is, it recognizes the capacity of these authorities to receive the microorganisms used in inventions.

But, without adhesion to the pact, Brazil cannot have centers of this type in its territory. Therefore, Brazilian inventors (individuals, companies, es, or institutions send microorganisms to IDAs in other countries.

Today, 49 foreign IDAs are certified by the treaty. The best known are the American Type Culture Collection (ATCC), located in Manassas, in the United States, and the German Collection of Microorganisms and Cell Cultures (DSMZ, its acronym in German), from the Leibniz Institute, located in the German city of Brunswick.

In Latin America, there is only one IDA, the Chilean Collection of Microbial Genetic Resources (CChRGM), in Chillán. However, according to Júlio César Moreira, this center in Chile “is minimal” and “is not diverse” as Brazil needs.

As a member of the international pact, Brazil could have a depository center recognized worldwide to store biological material in general. Part of the collection would be focused on patents.

But this would not be automatic. The country would need to suggest institutions capable of receiving biological material so the treaty council could evaluate them.

Source: Conjur

Leia em português

BPTO ranked Brazil’s 50 most significant applicants for industrial property rights in 2023 and 2022.

Petrobras maintained its leadership in invention patents with 125 filings, 15 more than in 2022. In second place, the Federal University of Campina Grande made 101 applications, 60 more than in the previous year, when it occupied fourth place.

FCA Fiat Chrysler went from eighth place in 2022 to third last year, increasing from 31 applications to 58. The Federal University of Minas Gerais (48 filings) occupied the fourth position, which had been in second place in 2022 (54 ). The Hercílio Randon Institute appears in fifth, with 43 patent filings.

As with invention patent filings, educational institutions stand out among the 50 largest filers of computer programs in 2023, occupying 35 positions. The CPQD Foundation requests leadership (93 requests), followed by Autbank Projects and Consulting (88), Linx Systems and Consulting (55), Federal University from Sergipe (52) and Pedro Izecksohn (46).

The utility models with the highest highlights were Westrock, Pulp, Paper, and Packaging (with 17 filings), Fibracem Teleinformatics (12), Flávio Aparecido Peres (12), Edson Della Giustina (11), and Nely Cristina Braidotti (10).

In terms of trademarks, the National Confederation of Retail Managers took first place in 2023 (536 registration requests), followed by Top Defense (395), Localiza Rent a Car (230), Baptist Church from Lagoinha (186), and Baptist Convention Lagoinha (173).

In 2023, Jaderson de Almeida, with 139 registration requests, and Grendene (129) held the top two positions in industrial design. Tramontina, Franccino Móveis, and Savia Fotografia Intelectual Ltda were in third, fourth, and fifth place, respectively.

Ranking of non-resident applicants

The BPTO also released the ranking of non-resident applicants in 2023 and 2022. The companies that filed the most applications for invention patents last year at the BPTO were Qualcomm, with 1,134 filings, Huawei (460), Basf (257), Cilag ( 222), and Ericsson (208). Qualcomm and Huawei maintained their 2022 positions, while Basf rose from fourth to third place and Ericsson from sixth to fifth place.

Source: Brazilian Institute of Industrial Property