Concepts and protection involving famous marks in Brazil
Managing IP Magazine – March 2013
Fame
Depending on the degree of reputation or recognition of the mark, it may be qualified as WELL-KNOWN or HIGLY REPUTED (widely recognized by the general consuming public; well-known to the public at large), being protected under different levels.
Legal protection to well-known marks
WELL-KNOWN marks in the form of Article 6bis of CUP are protected under the Brazilian IP Law against imitation or reproduction in the same or related market segment. Pre-existence of a regular application or registration is not a condition to seek the protection. Being this an exception to the first-to-file rule in force in Brazil, the Brazilian Law requires that the Opponent files an application for its own mark in order to enforce the special protection.