Sustainable innovation is a key concept in today's world, aiming to find creative and efficient solutions to environmental, social, and economic issues. Its goal is to pave the way for a future that is more balanced and resilient.

In this context, the link between sustainability and intellectual property (IP) is crucial, especially concerning the UN Sustainable Development Goals. It not only safeguards innovations that propel sustainable development but also fosters collaboration, the sharing of knowledge, and the development of an environment that nurtures creativity and problem-solving.

Recently, the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO), through its agenda for 2024, unveiled an ambitious strategy that places environmental sustainability at the heart of intellectual property innovations; a call for companies to rethink their innovation through a fresh lens: that of ecological responsibility.

One of the significant initiatives outlined in the BPTO 2024 Action Plan is the creation of the "Green Technologies Observatory" in the Amazon region, aimed at promoting sustainable innovations and safeguarding biodiversity. The plan also underscores the significance of international partnerships, exemplified by Brazil's involvement in initiatives like the EUROCLIMA+ Programme and the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) IPO Green Initiative, demonstrating the country's dedication to global sustainability efforts.

Notwithstanding these recent actions, the BPTO has for years made sustainable innovation in Brazil one of its main objectives. Since 2016, it has offered priority examination of patent applications related to green technologies, enabling the identification of new technologies that can be swiftly adopted by society, encouraging licensing, and fostering innovation in the country.

The BPTO Green Patents programme aims to contribute to global climate change efforts and speed up the examination of patent applications related to environmentally friendly technologies. The examination of these technologies takes place as a matter of priority, allowing patents to be granted more quickly, and so that patent holders are able to license these protected technologies or benefit from environmentally friendly technologies sooner than expected.

Furthermore, to foster this market segment, the BPTO has joined the international WIPO GREEN platform, which accelerates the visibility and commercialisation of green technologies by connecting investors and companies with a common interest in environmentally responsible solutions.

Consistent with these efforts, the BPTO has implemented the e-PCT system since 2014. This online service, provided by WIPO, allows Receiving Offices, International Authorities, and registered users to access securely international applications filed under the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT).

Transitioning to e-filing patents offers numerous environmental advantages over traditional paper-based methods. It dramatically slashes paper consumption, contributing substantially to forest preservation and carbon emission reduction. Moreover, e-filing eradicates the necessity for physical storage of paper documents, thereby diminishing the demand for office space and minimising the environmental footprint.

Additionally, the BPTO is setting up what they call the Single Innovation Desk. This desk will act as a central hub where people and entities can go to get help, submit applications, or find out about patents, trade marks, and other aspects of intellectual property, especially those related to sustainable innovation.

Creating this desk demonstrates that the BPTO is trying to make things easier and less complicated. They want to cut red tape and make processes more efficient when dealing with anything to do with innovation that sits within their area of responsibility.

In addition to the measures mentioned, there are other initiatives led by BPTO aimed at promoting the integration of sustainable innovation and intellectual property:

  • Tailored Support[1]: Provides specialised assistance for sustainable innovation projects.
  • Education[2]: Offers training on IP rights for sustainable innovations.
  • Partnerships[3]: Collaborates with stakeholders to bolster sustainable innovation ecosystems.
  • Public Awareness[4][5]: Runs campaigns to highlight the role of IP rights in sustainability.
  • Policy Advocacy[6]: Promotes policies integrating sustainable innovation and IP.

Brazil is dedicated to using intellectual property to advance environmentally sustainable solutions, aiming to lead globally in fostering sustainable innovation and securing a positive legacy for future generations. This aligns with various of the United Nations´ 17 Sustainable Development Goals, such as ensuring access to clean energy[7], building resilient infrastructure, promoting inclusive industrialisation, fostering innovation[8], creating sustainable cities[9], and combatting climate change[10].

The integration of innovation and sustainability is not only an ethical matter but also a competitive advantage in the global landscape, as companies that adopt these principles contribute to a more sustainable future, and stand out in an increasingly aware market.

Through its Patent and Trademark Office, Brazil is at the forefront of these efforts, encouraging ecological responsibility and contributing to a greener world. The BPTO 2024 Action Plan is an invitation for companies to reassess their innovation strategies, consider environmental impact, and contribute to a sustainable and enduring future.

This blog is part of FICPI's collection of content for World IP Day 2024

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FICPI uniquely combines education and advocacy on topics around patents and trade marks, with a focus on developing the professional excellence of its individual members. FICPI Forums, Congress, committees and meetings are opportunities to gather insights from the international IP attorney community on any issue, whether it be practice-related or topics of patent and trade mark law.

Next steps

Author: Gabriel Di Blasi  Researcher: Alexandre de Calais Filho
Gabriel Di Blasi and Alexandre de Calais Filho
References

 

[1] Plataforma Integrada de Atendimento — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (www.gov.br)

[2] Academia - 2.0 — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (www.gov.br)

[3] Matchmaking in Green Technologies — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (www.gov.br)

[4] Programa PI nas Escolas — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (www.gov.br)

[5] INPI Negócios — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (www.gov.br)

[6] Ações de Sustentabilidade — Instituto Nacional da Propriedade Industrial (www.gov.br)

[7] Goal 7: Affordable and clean energy - The Global Goals

[8] Goal 9: Industry, innovation and infrastructure - The Global Goals

[9] Goal 11: Sustainable cities and communities - The Global Goals

[10] Goal 13: Climate action - The Global Goals

 

 

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