On August 25, 2021, the 13th Meeting of BRICS Heads of Intellectual Property Offices (HIPO) was held via videoconference. The meeting was chaired by Shri. Rajendra Ratnoo, Controller General of Patents, Designs & Trade Marks of India.

Delegations from Brazil, China, India, Russia and South Africa presented the outcomes of the joint projects and outlined prospects for their further development. Rospatent presented a report on the cooperation stream “Training of Intellectual Property Office Staff and Examiner Exchange” where Grigory Ivliev, Head of Rospatent, presented the results of the annual joint training of examiners, which was conducted in 2020 under the Russian chairmanship in BRICS and was dedicated to industrial designs.

The parties discussed the importance of using digital and other emerging technologies in processing applications and introducing them into the work of IP offices. Special attention was given to cooperation on digital projects within BRICS IP Offices and on international fora. BRICS IP Offices shared their experiences in using information systems and noted the relevance of digital transformation in the context of the COVID-19 pandemic. During the meeting, the issue of economic importance of geographical indications for the development of rural areas was raised. During the discussion, the parties exchanged information on the development of regional brands, as well as legislative initiatives and new projects to improve the intellectual property system. Such initiatives as patent applications using 3D models, tax incentives for innovation, support for startups and the use of intellectual property to improve people’s living standards were pointed out.

Key agreements of the meeting were to coordinate the work on further implementation of digital initiatives, to exchange information on the registration of geographical indications and on the best practices of the BRICS countries in the IP field.