1 de December de 2015

Newsletter 2015.14 – Brazil-USA PPH Pilot Program For Oil, Gas and Petrochemical Industries

The patent offices of Brazil and the United States signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) that inaugurates a new era of cooperation between them. A copy of this memorandum is enclosed.

A Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) program is a bi-lateral agreement stipulating that each of the two signing countries may make use of the results of searches and examinations conducted by the other. This allows for faster examination and is specifically aimed at decreasing the backlog that is affecting all offices.

The MoU, signed a few days ago, foresees the implementation of a pilot program that will contemplate 150 patent applications originating from each of the two offices. The program is expected to operate between 11 January 2016 and 10 January 2018 and will accept requests for accelerated examination until this term ends or the application quota is filled.

Acceptance of an application into the program presupposes the fulfilment of some conditions which are not the same for both sides. Most importantly, Brazil will limit its efforts to applications in the areas of oil, gas and petrochemistry that have been filed no more than three years before the starting day of the program. The USA will not impose the same limitations, accepting cases in any technological area.

The implementing rules in Brazil are to be published by the Patent Office in the near future.

Please, contact us should you wish more details on this auspicious initiative.

An update on the matter will be sent as soon as further implementation ruling is announced.

For more detailed information on this matter, please contact us via e-mail through mail@kasznarleonardos.com.

See file

Back

Last related news

1 de September de 2026

Brazil Increases the Monthly Fast-Track Examination Limit for Telecommunication Patent Applications, Including PPH

By means of Ordinance 07/2026, published on September 1, 2026, the BPTO has announced an increase in the monthly limit for fast-track examination … Brazil Increases the Monthly Fast-Track Examination Limit for Telecommunication Patent Applications, Including PPH

Kasznar Leonardos

31 de August de 2026

Brazilian Agency fines tech company BRL 153 Million, raising the bar for digital enforcement

The Brazilian Data Protection Agency (“ANPD”) has imposed a BRL 153.7 million fine on a tech company, primarily for alleged irregularities in the processing … Brazilian Agency fines tech company BRL 153 Million, raising the bar for digital enforcement

25 de August de 2026

Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office and Uruguay’s DNPI Launch Collaborative Patent Application Examination Project

On August 25, 2026, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (INPI) announced the launch of a Collaborative Patent Application Examination Project in … Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office and Uruguay’s DNPI Launch Collaborative Patent Application Examination Project

Priscila Mayumi Kashiwabara