Estudo da propriedade intelectual em biocombustível no Brasil

Abstract

This study aims to analyze the search for patent protection of the technologies related to biofuels, using survey data contained in the deposits of national patent applications at the Instituto Nacional de Propriedade Intelectual (INPI). Through the analysis was traced the evolution of applications, given the major nations involved in research of the sector, the representation from academic and higher education institutions, identified the main regions from Brazil involved in the development of technologies in this area and other information, which highlight the importance of intellectual property for technological advances in biofuels in Brazil. The INPI database was researched up to April 05, 2016, in order to obtain information of national patent application. The results of the search method used indicated a total of 220 applications of patents with the term "biofuel" and "biofuels" in his title or summary, or both, from 2004 to 2014 was submitted to the INPI. The evolution of patents applications was observed highlighting the leading companies and depositors organs. This survey also indicated the current status of applications process; the countries of origin of the owners and inventors, with the leadership of the United States, Netherlands and Germany, and other relevant information on the subject. In addition, this study presents an analysis of the predominant International Patent Classification (IPC) in order to evaluate the technological development in biofuels and the bringing of suggestions for the improvement of patenting activity in Brazil.