Exclusive Interview: Franck Monteiro and the Challenges of Industrial Property in Brazil

Industrial Property (IP) plays a crucial role in the global economy by protecting innovations, strengthening brands, and boosting business competitiveness. However, its management and valuation face distinct challenges in different markets.

To better understand Brazil’s reality, we interviewed Franck Monteiro, Sales Representative & Account Manager for Darwin Suite in the Brazilian market. With extensive experience in the sector, Franck is responsible for supporting companies, lawyers, and IP agents in optimizing the management of their intangible assets, maximizing their protection and profitability.

Today, he shares with us the main challenges of Industrial Property in Brazil and how Darwin Suite is helping to transform this landscape.

TF: Franck, what are the main challenges of Industrial Property in Brazil?

Franck Monteiro (FM):
Brazil has one of the largest markets in Latin America, with a diversified economy and a highly innovative business sector. However, Industrial Property still faces structural challenges that impact both startups and large corporations.

The main challenges are:

Long processing times for patent grants and trademark registrations
The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) has made progress in digitalization, but there is still a high backlog of applications, and many processes can take years to complete.

Fighting piracy and counterfeiting
Brazil is one of the countries facing the most significant issues with illegal copies and product counterfeiting, especially in the fashion, technology, and pharmaceutical sectors. Companies need active monitoring to protect their brands and innovations.

Lack of business culture regarding the importance of IP
Many small and medium-sized businesses still do not see Industrial Property as a strategic asset and fail to register their trademarks and patents. This can be a critical mistake when internationalizing and expanding their businesses.

TF: How can Darwin Suite help companies overcome these challenges?

FM:
Darwin Suite was developed to simplify, automate, and make Industrial Property management more efficient. In Brazil, it can help companies in several ways:

• Trademark and patent monitoring – The system allows companies to track applications in real time, preventing oversights and ensuring continuous protection.

• Process automation – We reduce manual work and administrative errors, speeding up deadlines and improving organization.

• Active monitoring against counterfeiting and piracy – By integrating with international databases, we can identify threats to intellectual property and assist in preventive decision-making.

• Support for international expansion – Many Brazilian companies are expanding to the U.S. and Europe, and Darwin Suite facilitates IP management in these markets.

In recent years, we have helped lawyers, IP agents, and companies from various sectors protect and monetize their intangible assets, bringing more security and efficiency to trademark and patent management.

TF: And what are the opportunities for Industrial Property in Brazil?

FM:
Despite the challenges, Brazil has great opportunities in the IP sector:

• Growth of the innovation and technology sector
  With the increasing number of startups and tech companies, there is a growing market for patent and software registrations, requiring efficient management tools.

• Expansion of Brazilian companies into international markets
  More and more Brazilian brands want to operate abroad. To do so, they need to ensure global IP protection, and this is where Darwin Suite becomes essential.

• INPI digitalization
  The National Institute of Industrial Property has been investing in modernizing its processes, creating a more favorable environment for IP registration and management in the country.

TF: What do Brazilian companies need to do to better protect their IP?

FM:
My main recommendation is: treat Industrial Property as a strategic investment, not just a cost.

• Protect your trademarks and patents from the start.
• Use efficient management tools to avoid losses and administrative failures.
• Monitor the market to prevent copies and violations of your rights.

At Darwin Suite, we work closely with companies and IP professionals to ensure that no intangible asset is left unprotected. The sooner a company invests in a well-structured IP strategy, the more security and competitive advantage it will have in the future.

TF: Finally, what is your vision for the future of IP in Brazil?

FM:
Brazil is at a turning point. Digitalization, innovation, and greater awareness of IP’s value will transform the market in the coming years. Those who prepare now will be ahead of the competition and better positioned for growth.

Darwin Suite is here to help Brazilian companies protect their assets, scale their businesses securely, and strengthen the innovation economy.

TechFame thanks Franck Monteiro for this in-depth perspective on the challenges and opportunities of Industrial Property in Brazil!

Stay tuned for upcoming editions for more insights on innovation, IP, and digital transformation!