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Int’l Committee investigation team to San Paulo & Rio, Brazil

International 1st Committee dispatched a 6-member Brazil investigation team led by Managing Director Tomoko Miyashita, from October 12 to October 20, 2013.
Brazil is a member of BRICS and has recently been active in technological development and product distribution. Many Japanese companies have expanded into and invested in Brazil. On the other hand, in reality, we have not yet obtained sufficient information on the IP for reasons such as its geographical conditions and the language barrier of Portuguese.
Accordingly, the investigation team at this time visited a total of 12 sites including the Brazil Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the JETRO San Paulo Office, Brazil Oil major Petrobras, Patent Office (INPI), the Brazilian Health Surveillance Agency (ANVISA), the Rio de Janeiro state court, Rio de Janeiro Custom, and four local law firms. The team aimed to ask government offices and users for their opinions on the operation of the IP system in Brazil, and to confirm investigation results obtained in Japan and obtain information about unclear points and points to be investigated in depth.

In particular, at INPI, we asked how it specifically attempts to shorten the examination period and how it is involved in the EPO examination practice, and heard about the introduction of PPH and a movement toward the revision of industrial property laws. INPI also recognizes various problems they have. We for ourselves saw the fact that the solution of the problems was delayed for reasons such as political factors and divided opinions, and really felt how difficult it was to handle practical affairs and operate the system.
At the Brazil Japan Chamber of Commerce and Industry, we met presidents of local Japanese companies and heard from them about points to note and problems related to the Brazilian IP. We have recognized problems with measures against counterfeit products, technology transfer, provision of technical information, and export regulation.

We were warmly welcomed at every place we visited, and actively exchanged opinions with them although it was a short visit. We can expect more active interaction on JIPA's future visits or their visits to Japan.

[Update 2013-12-16 ]