ブックタイトル縁19号

概要

縁19号

Figure 3 below shows the number of patent applications filed in 2017:Fig. 3 Patent Application 2017 [6]Unfortunately, patent backlog has been the biggest problem of INPI. As mentioned before, since Brazil isa big country, there are many business opportunities in different areas, which results in a huge number ofpatent applications per year. According with INPI's recordings, backlog was around to 225.000 in 2017 [7].Figure 4 gives a good idea about the number of decisions and patent application over the last few years. It'spossible to notice the increase in the number of decisions in the last two years, due to the hiring of new examiners.Applications FilledAdministrative DecisionsTechnical DecisionsTotal of DecisionsBacklog2013201420152016201733.91233.07532.93630.94628.66710.45616.6279.08317.54334.2075.4935.7086.7597.93810.57415.94922.33515.84225.48144.781217.222224.760242.151243.820225.115Fig. 4 Patent ? Backlog [6], [7]On the other hand, the backlog based on the patent applications available for the first examination isaround 132.000 (reference: INPI ? internal recordings ? Maquina de Estados, Dec2017). This refers to patentapplications which have been published and have the examination requested by the applicant, andhence are available for the first examination. It's important to mention that not all the patent applicationsfiled will be examined, since some of them are abandoned by the applicant. Therefore, the correct numberto be considered when talking about INPI's patent backlog is 132.000.INPI has adopted some strategies to reduce backlog number. Aiming of harmonization and simplificationof patent exams, INPI has issued some guidelines and procedures to be adopted during examination. Theseguidelines and procedures are public. INPI has also provided continuous patent training for new and experiencedexaminers. In addition to that, INPI has adopted some online services such as:32 ENISHI IP Friends Connections August 2018 No.19