The Brazilian patent prosecution landscape is dominated by a few major law firms that handle a large volume of filings. Leading the rankings is DANNEMANN, SIEMSEN, BIGLER & IPANEMA MOREIRA, with over 28,000 filings from 2019-2023. This firm is followed by KASZNAR LEONARDOS PROPRIEDADE INTELECTUAL and CLARKEMODET GROUP, each managing significant foreign filings.

Other major players include DANIEL LEGAL & IP STRATEGY, GUSMAO & LABRUNIE S/C LTDA, and GUSMAO & LABRUNIE S/C LTDA, which round out the top five. These firms largely specialize in handling foreign-origin patents, with over 90% of their filings being foreign-based.

Despite these firms’ dominance, the overall number of filings has seen a decline, with some of the top firms experiencing a drop of over 60% in filings from 2019 to 2023. This decline points to shifting strategies in international patent filings and increased competition in the Brazilian IP space.

The number of patent filings in Brazil has undergone significant fluctuations over the past five years. The leading firm, DANNEMANN, SIEMSEN, BIGLER & IPANEMA MOREIRA, saw a decrease from 7,061 filings in 2019 to just 2,687 in 2023, marking a 62% decline. Similar trends are observed among other top firms, with KASZNAR LEONARDOS PROPRIEDADE INTELECTUAL experiencing a 53% drop in filings over the same period.

One factor influencing these trends is the growing preference for PCT-based filings. The data suggests that over 90% of filings managed by the top firms originate from international sources, indicating that Brazil continues to be an attractive jurisdiction for foreign entities seeking IP protection.

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Countries Sending Patent Applications to Brazil

Brazil receives a significant volume of patent applications from major global economies. The United States leads the way with over 37,000 filings, followed by Germany (9,365), Japan (7,480), and China (6,448). These numbers reinforce Brazil’s role as a key destination for international patent filings.

Countries Receiving Patents from Brazil

On the other hand, Brazilian-origin patents are most commonly filed in the United States, China, and Mexico. The US remains the primary export destination for Brazilian patents, with over 1,500 filings recorded in recent years. China and Mexico follow, receiving 646 and 339 filings, respectively. This highlights the international ambitions of Brazilian innovators and the importance of outbound IP protection.

For law firms operating in the Brazilian market, these trends present both challenges and opportunities. The decline in filings suggests a need for firms to diversify their services, perhaps by offering additional strategic consulting on international filings. Additionally, firms should focus on strengthening relationships with foreign applicants, as they continue to be the primary drivers of patent activity in Brazil.

The strong presence of PCT-based filings means that firms with expertise in managing international applications can position themselves as preferred partners for global clients. Given the increasing importance of outbound filings from Brazil, firms should also explore ways to support domestic innovators in securing IP protection abroad.

Brazil’s patent prosecution landscape remains a dynamic and evolving market. Despite a notable decline in overall filings, the country continues to attract significant foreign patent activity. Top firms such as DANNEMANN, SIEMSEN, BIGLER & IPANEMA MOREIRA and KASZNAR LEONARDOS PROPRIEDADE INTELECTUAL remain dominant players, but they must adapt to shifting trends. By leveraging insights into international patent exchanges and focusing on strategic client relationships, law firms can ensure long-term success in this competitive environment.