The Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial – INPI) has announced that, as of August 7, 2025, a new modality of fast-track examination for trademark applications will come into effect. This measure aims to expedite the review of certain applications, expanding upon the already well-established fast-track framework for patents.
The initiative is part of the INPI Action Plan 2025 and seeks to foster the business environment, particularly for innovative agents, small-scale entrepreneurs, and strategic sectors.
Priority Categories
The new fast-track procedure is divided into two main categories:
- Free Fast-Track (no quota limit)
Applicable to the following groups:
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- Individuals aged 60 years or older;
- Persons with disabilities;
- Persons with serious illnesses;
- Companies classified under the Inova Simples regime.
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- 2. Strategic Fast-Track (subject to fee and quota limit)
Available in specific situations, such as: -
- Trademark applications subject to opposition based on a right of precedence;
- Applications linked to the release of public funds;
- Ongoing judicial proceedings;
- Trademarks related to products or services protected by priority patents;
- Scientific, Technological and Innovation Institutions (Instituições Científicas, Tecnológicas e de Inovação – ICTs);
- Projects under Technical Cooperation Agreements (Acordos de Cooperação Técnica – ACT) with INPI;
- Cases of public interest or national emergency.
The fee for this modality is R$ 890.00.
Procedure
Requests for priority examination must be submitted electronically via the INPI platform, accompanied by the relevant supporting documentation. Once granted, the application will be processed under priority status, and administrative acts will be published in the Revista da Propriedade Industrial (Industrial Property Gazette – RPI).
Benefits
Fast-track examination significantly reduces the time required for the review of applications, providing a potential competitive advantage for companies seeking swift protection of their intangible assets. While a standard trademark application may take approximately 18 to 24 months for examination, priority applications may be assessed within shorter timeframes, depending on the complexity of the matter and INPI’s workload.
Fast-Track Examination for Patents
It is worth noting that the fast-track procedure for patents has been in place for several years, with various legal grounds provided under INPI ordinances (such as Ordinances No. 79/2022 and No. 4/2024). Companies seeking to accelerate the examination of their patent applications should assess whether they qualify under modalities such as:
- Green technologies;
- Anti-piracy measures;
- Publicly funded projects;
- Mandatory public licensing, among others.
The results have been significant: timeframes that previously exceeded eight years have been reduced to approximately one year, or even less, depending on the case.