INPI publishes 2nd edition of its Industrial Designs Manual

INPI publishes 2nd edition of its Industrial Designs Manual

The Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) has released the 2nd edition of its Industrial Designs Manual, which will come into force on October 2, 2023. The main objective of the update is to align the Brazilian guidelines for processing industrial designs with the adoption of the Hague System standards, which have been in force in Brazil since August 1, 2023.

One of the innovations brought about by the 2nd edition is industrial design protection for three-dimensional configurations of complex products, made up of parts with no mechanical connection between them.  The possibilities for representing the object of registration have been expanded, with the presentation of unclaimed elements in the application, making it possible to accept the protection of specific parts of objects, with the possibility of using dashed lines to represent the waiver of illustrative elements that are not part of the claim.

In addition, the manual includes the possibility of protecting dynamic or animated graphic interfaces. Thus, applicants can present a sequence of static figures, which will be examined as a single entity. If one or more figures are not recognized as being part of that sequence because they do not have similar visual characteristics to the others, a request can be made to split the application.

The modernization of the examination guidelines also impacts areas such as the protection of two- or three-dimensional configurations applied to electronic devices, designs that include a trademark or logo, as well as the inclusion of textual elements of any kind in other languages.

The document consolidates guidelines and procedures and should serve as a reference for examiners, attorneys and users in general. It should be noted that the manual will be subject to periodic updates, ensuring that it adapts to current trends and needs in the field of industrial designs.

The changes brought about represent a modernization of the industrial design registration process in Brazil, bringing it into line with international practices and fostering protection and innovation in the area.

The Manual can be accessed via the link: Industrial Designs Manual 2nd edition

Note: For quick release and cost control, this English version is provided by automated translation without human review.