On October 19, 2021, it was published by the Brazilian Patent and Trademark Office (BPTO) the Decree n° 46/2021, which states about the establishment, purpose and use of Brazilian seals to indicate Geographical Indication (GI) in their different species, which namely, the Indication of Origin (IP) and Denomination of Origin (DO).
Pursuant to article 2 of the Decree, the purpose of the seals is to facilitate for consumers and the public the identification of Brazilian products and services that have a GI, in addition to promoting the regions recognized for such right, which will consequently value their products and services.
The use of seals will not be mandatory, nor costly to producers and service providers who are entitled to use the GI already registered at the BPTO. However, when used, the seals must be accompanied by the distinctive signs of the respective GI. Also, it is worth noting that the use of the sign must comply with the provisions of the Visual Identity and Use of Seals of Geographical Indications Manual, available on the BPTO website.
The establishment of the Brazilian Seals of Geographical Indications is a great step forward in the recognition of Geographical Indication in Brazil and in promoting products and services in these regions. According to information on the BPTO’s website, there are currently approximately 120 thousand micro or small companies established in places with one of the 88 recognized Brazilian GIs, who will be able to use the seal.
The BPTO’s Decree No. 46/2021, which is the result of a joint effort between the Ministry of Economy, the Ministry of Agriculture, Livestock and Supply, the BPTO and the National Service for Micro and Small Businesses (SEBRAE), will enter into force on next November 1st, 2021. More information is available on the Institute’s website (https://www.gov.br/inpi/pt-br/central-de-conteudo/noticias/inpi-institui-selos-brasileiros-de-indicacoes-geograficas).