Many sellers planning to enter the Brazilian market get stuck at the same first step: they open the INPI official website and are greeted by a page entirely in Portuguese. This guide shows you how to use the INPI free trademark search tool step by step, even if you don't speak Portuguese.
1. Accessing the INPI Search Tool
The INPI trademark search system is available on the INPI website. While the interface is in Portuguese, you can use browser translation tools to help you navigate. No registration is required for basic searching.
2. Step-by-Step Search Guide
Step 1: Go to the INPI official website and find the trademark search section.
Step 2: Enter your trademark name in the search box.
Step 3: Filter by Nice Classification class (use the class numbers relevant to your products).
Step 4: Review the results — look at both identical and similar trademarks.
Step 5: Check the legal status of each result (active, expired, cancelled, under opposition).
3. Limitations of the Free Search
- The free INPI search only shows basic information, not full details of goods/services.
- Phonetic and visual similarity matching is not automated — you need to manually assess similar marks.
- For comprehensive freedom-to-operate analysis, consider hiring a Brazilian trademark attorney to conduct a professional search.
4. Summary
The INPI trademark search tool is free and publicly available. While the interface is in Portuguese, you can use browser translation and this guide to conduct a basic preliminary search. For critical filings, always supplement the free search with a professional attorney-conducted search.