Basic Guide for Trademarks
Overview
Trademark is a name and/or image that identifies a product or a service. In order to enjoy an exclusive right over it, one has to register it with INPI.
Learn more about the types of marks, the classification of their goods and services, the stages of analysis of the application and further information in the Trademark Manual.
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Carry out the search
You may not register a mark that is too similar to a mark already registered by someone else to identify similar goods or services. Because of that, learn how to classify correctly.
Moreover, it is recommended to carry out a search in our database in order to find out if there is already another registered trademark similar to the one you intend to register. This may help you to decide whether or not you should file the application. It is possible to carry out the search based on keywords, application number, and name of the applicant.
See also:
How to carry out trademark searches
List of trademarks with highly renowned status in effect in Brazil
Pay the GRU
Before filing the trademark application, you must pay the Federal Government Payment Form (GRU). Keep the number of that document, because you may need it to start filing your application.
Please keep in mind that INPI offers reduced fees for:
- Individuals;
- Micro-enterprises;
- Individual microentrepreneurs;
- Small-sized companies;
- Cooperatives;
- Education and research institutions;
- Nonprofit entities; and
- Public agencies.
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Start the application
You must only begin the application after you pay the GRU. Use the number of the already paid GRU to file your application.
If your trademark has an image, you will need to attach the image to the application form. Access the e-Marcas module and fill out the online application form.
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Monitor
You may have to submit other documents during the different stages of analysis of the application.
In order not to miss the deadlines, it is important to monitor the progress of the application. You can do so in the following manners:
See te Revista da Propriedade Industrial (RPI) (INPI’s Gazette), published every Tuesday. publicada às terças-feiras.
Access the trademark search system and include your process in “My Applications”. Then, you will receive an email whenever you process begins a new stage. Warning: this is an extra service provide by INPI and does not replace consultation with the RPI.
Application in progress
Know the stages of the progress of the applications and see how to consult the content of a trademark process.
In case of doubts during the process, forward your question to the system Fale Conosco. In the subject of the message, write:
- “Trademarks – how to register”, if your doubt is related to how to start an application. We suggest reading the Trademark Manual before sending the message, because we can help you more effectively if your question is more specific;
- “Trademarks – Processes (Monitoring)”, if your doubt is related to the progress of the application, the certificate of registration, or transfers, among other topics;
- “IT Systems” – if your doubt is related to login, password, electronic form, or search in the trademark database.
After the application is granted
If your application is granted, you shall pay a fee to issue the certificate of registration. The registration can be renewed every ten years. Other fees may apply during the progress of your application.
Read more in the Trademark Manual.