EPO Official Fees Increasing in 2026 : Time to act
The EPO has announced an increase of around 5% in most official fees, effective from 1 April 2026. Find out which fees will be affected and when the changes will apply.
New Regulation (EU) 2025/2645: EU compulsory licenses for crisis management
Regulation (EU) 2025/2645 establishes a European system of compulsory licenses as a measure of last resort to ensure the supply of essential products during crises or emergencies within the EU.
The EPO updates the PACE programme: accelerated examination from February 2026
The European Patent Office has updated the PACE programme, limiting accelerated processing to the examination phase as of 1 February 2026. Discover the key changes and strategic implications for European patent applicants.
BRPTO Suspends Fast-Track Examination for H04 Patent Application
Ordinance #17/2025, published on December 16, 2025, by the Brazilian PTO established the temporary suspension of priority examination procedures for patent applications whose main IPC classification is H04. With the exception of specific fast-track examination categories, there is no forecast for the resumption of priority requests for H04 patent applications.
H&A wishes you a Merry Christmas and a prosperous 2026
Let’s celebrate Christmas and welcome 2026 with enthusiasm. We wish you peaceful holidays and a year full of shared growth.
Maldives introduces its first trade mark registration system in 2026
The Maldives Trade Marks Bill introduces a modern registration system, granting exclusive rights, enforcement mechanisms, and a 12-month transition period for existing marks.
Argentina. Trademarks. A simplified examination promises faster registration times
INPI will no longer examine trademark applications as it previously did. It will focus only on public order issues and identical marks. Similarity will be left to private parties and the opposition system, seeking to speed up procedures.
Priority Patent Processing in Brazil (PPH, GPPH, and other modalities)
The BPTO offers priority processing for applications involving the protection of industrial property rights through the use of patents. The legislation covers various modalities and situations that allow for priority processing. Priority processing represents a valuable instrument for companies and inventors who work with innovation and wish to transform their solutions into competitive advantages quickly and safely.
Proposals for Regulations on Alternative Set of Claims in Brazil
On December 2, 2025, the Brazilian IP Office (INPI) held the first meeting for dialogue between the parties to present proposals for the Regulation of Alternative Set of Claims in patent applications. The conceptual premises guiding the proposed regulation were presented, addressing points such as the potential advantages of regulation for users, including greater flexibility, a reduction in examination process steps, and greater alignment with international practices. The expected impact on INPI was also discussed, which anticipates a possible increase in workload during the Alternative Claims presentation stage, but with a potential reduction in the time required for patent granting.
H&A at the Intensive IP Educational Programme at EUIPO: Manuel Pérez delivers the “Patent Case Study I” session
Manuel Pérez, European Patent Attorney at H&A, participated as a speaker in the EUIPO Intensive IP Educational Programme, where he taught the “Patent Case Study I” session. His contribution enabled students to apply theoretical knowledge to a real case, bringing professional practice closer to the students.
From tradition to the global market: spanish products that are making history
Spanish gastronomy goes beyond tradition: ham, wine, olive oil and cheeses have become international brands that tell stories and convey culture.
Guatemala’s Accelerated Patent Grant (APG) with the USPTO: A practitioner’s guide
The analysis distinguishes accelerated examination from automatic grant and highlights the continued application of Guatemalan standards on patentability, format, clarity, and excluded subject matter. It outlines key elements of an effective APG dossier, including a detailed claim correspondence table, evidence of U.S. grant, conservative and precise translations, and compliant local documentation.
Brazil deposits its letter of accession to the Budapest Treaty
Brazil adheres to the Budapest Treaty on the International Recognition of the Deposit of Microorganisms for Patent Purposes at the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO).
The protection of sports events trademarks in Latin America
Protecting sports event trademarks in Latin America is essential to prevent ambush marketing, attract sponsors, safeguard assets, and ensure profitability in a digital and global environment.
What is a well-known trademark in Mexico and why protecting yours is essential
Discover the benefits of obtaining well-known trademark status in Mexico and why legal protection is key to brand value.
