About IP BRICS
IP BRICS is a strategic cooperation framework among the intellectual property offices of Brazil, Russia, India, China, and South Africa, aimed at fostering collaboration, sharing best practices, and strengthening IP systems across member countries.
IP BRICS Overview
Established in 2015, IP BRICS represents a significant milestone in international cooperation among emerging economies. The initiative brings together five major IP offices that collectively handle over 50% of global patent applications and trademarks.
Member Countries
Brazil
Office: INPI - National Institute of Industrial Property
Annual Applications: 30,000+ patents, 150,000+ trademarks
Russia
Office: Rospatent - Federal Service for Intellectual Property
Annual Applications: 40,000+ patents, 80,000+ trademarks
India
Office: CGPDTM - Office of the Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks
Annual Applications: 65,000+ patents, 400,000+ trademarks
China
Office: CNIPA - China National Intellectual Property Administration
Annual Applications: 1.5M+ patents, 7M+ trademarks
South Africa
Office: CIPC - Companies and Intellectual Property Commission
Annual Applications: 10,000+ patents, 50,000+ trademarks
Strategic Objectives
Work Sharing
Implement work sharing mechanisms to reduce examination workload and improve efficiency across member offices.
- Patent Prosecution Highway (PPH) programs
- Search and examination result sharing
- Common classification systems
Capacity Building
Enhance technical capabilities and professional expertise through joint training programs and knowledge exchange.
- Examiner exchange programs
- Joint training workshops
- Best practice sharing
Digital Cooperation
Develop and implement digital tools and platforms for enhanced IP services and information sharing.
- Shared digital infrastructure
- Common IT solutions
- Data exchange protocols
Global Influence
Strengthen collective voice in international IP forums and contribute to global IP policy development.
- Coordinated positions in WIPO
- Joint policy initiatives
- Development agenda advocacy
Key Initiatives
IP BRICS Patent Prosecution Highway
A comprehensive PPH program enabling faster examination of patent applications across member offices based on work sharing.
Launch: 2017
Participation: All 5 member offices
Benefits:
- 50% reduction in examination time
- Improved patent quality
- Cost savings for applicants
- Enhanced examiner efficiency
Statistics: 5,000+ applications processed annually
IP BRICS Digital Platform
Joint development of a digital platform for sharing patent search results, examination data, and best practices.
Development: 2018-2021
Features:
- Shared search database
- Examination workflow tools
- Analytics and reporting
- Secure communication channels
Usage: 2,000+ examiners across member offices
Examiner Exchange Program
Annual exchange program for patent examiners to share expertise, learn best practices, and build professional networks.
Duration: 2-4 weeks per exchange
Participants: 100+ examiners annually
Focus Areas:
- Advanced examination techniques
- Technology-specific training
- Digital tool usage
- Quality management systems
Innovation Support Program
Collaborative program to support innovation and technology transfer among BRICS countries through IP cooperation.
Target: SMEs and startups
Services:
- IP awareness workshops
- Filing assistance programs
- Technology matchmaking
- Commercialization support
Impact: 500+ companies supported annually
Governance Structure
Heads of Offices Meeting
Annual meeting of the heads of all IP BRICS member offices to set strategic direction and approve major initiatives.
Frequency: Annually | Location: Rotating among member countries
Working Groups
Specialized working groups focusing on specific areas of cooperation and implementation.
- Patent Cooperation: PPH implementation and work sharing
- Trademark Cooperation: Trademark examination and protection
- Digital Services: IT infrastructure and digital platforms
- Capacity Building: Training and professional development
- Legal Affairs: Policy and legal framework harmonization
Secretariat
Rotating secretariat responsible for coordination, communication, and administrative support.
Current Secretariat: India (2023-2025)
Responsibilities: Meeting coordination, documentation, communication, project management
Achievements & Impact
50%
Global Patent Applications
5,000+
PPH Applications Processed
100+
Annual Examiner Exchanges
50%
Examination Time Reduction
Key Achievements
- Successful PPH Implementation: Fully operational PPH programs among all member offices
- Digital Platform Launch: Comprehensive digital platform for information sharing and collaboration
- Professional Network: Established strong professional networks among IP practitioners
- Quality Enhancement: Improved examination quality through shared best practices
- Cost Efficiency: Reduced operational costs through work sharing and digital cooperation
- Global Recognition: Recognized as model for regional IP cooperation
Future Plans & Vision
Expansion of Cooperation Areas
Extend cooperation to new areas including designs, geographical indications, and traditional knowledge protection.
AI Integration
Joint development of AI-powered tools for patent search, examination, and analytics.
Enhanced Analytics
Development of comprehensive IP intelligence systems for policy making and strategic planning.
Outreach Programs
Extension of cooperation models to other regional groups and developing countries.
