On March 24, the INPI published clarifications on the suspension of deadlines on its website, due to the COVID-19 epidemic. The National Institute of Industrial Property suspended all deadlines from 2020.03.16 to 2020.04.14 through Administrative Rule nº. 120 of March 16, 2020.
The Institute explains that all procedural deadlines are suspended for the time being, and when the situation normalizes again, the deadlines will resume again, counting from the date of suspension. It also clarifies that the deadlines that start in the period of the suspension will begin counting from April 15, 2020.
Additionally, users can petition normally online at the INPI, even with the suspended deadlines. In this case, the process will follow its regular course.
It is worth pointing out that the INPI’s activities continue normally. The headquarters located in Rio de Janeiro, was vacated due to public health concerns, and all workers are working from home. Therefore, only in-person customer service and the use of the Cláudio Treiguer Economist Library are suspended.
In order to continue customer service during the period of the COVID-19 epidemic, INPI recommends using the “Fale Conosco” channel, which is available online.
