How to file a patent
A patent protects inventions with industrial application — products, processes or technical improvements. At UFRRJ, the Innovation Agency runs the entire process before INPI at no cost to the researcher.
When to protect
Before publishing any research that may have industrial application, talk to the Agency. Public disclosure — in papers, conferences, social media or any accessible medium — can eliminate the novelty requirement and prevent filing.
Caution. Once published, the protection window may be closed. Submit to the Agency first, then publish.
Patent types
- Invention patent (PI) — 20-year term from filing date. Protects inventions that meet all three legal requirements.
- Utility model (MU) — 15-year term. Protects practical objects with new shape or arrangement that result in functional improvement.
Legal requirements
Law 9.279/1996 requires three simultaneous conditions:
| Requirement | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Novelty | Not disclosed anywhere in the world |
| Inventive step | Not obvious to a specialist in the field |
| Industrial application | Marketable and reproducible at scale |
Before filing — prior art search
Search public databases to verify your invention is novel:
Include the search results when sending the request to the Agency. The report template is available on the official Patent page.
How to send to the Agency
- Download the form — Patent Filing Service Request (rev. Dec/2024)
- Fill in inventor data, institution, technical description, claims, abstract and drawings
- Send the form and files to
nitrural@ufrrj.br - The Agency reviews, files at INPI and follows the examination
Distribution of returns
Under Law 10.973/2004, UFRRJ owns technologies developed at the institution. When there is financial return:
- 1/3 to inventor(s)
- 1/3 to the originating unit/department
- 1/3 to UFRRJ central administration
The 2/3 retained by UFRRJ are reinvested in research and innovation.