INTA Foundation announces first grant to establish IP program in Brazil

The INTA Foundation has announced its inaugural grant to fund a program at the Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro (UFRJ) Law School’s program in intellectual property (IP).

The Foundation was established to expand educational and professional development opportunities in intellectual property for a diversity of under-represented populations around the world.

UFRJ, founded over a century ago, is one of the largest Brazilian universities, with a focus on technology and economics. It is home to its own innovation agency that develops programs related to IP and technological exchange, focusing on the registration of patents, trademarks, industrial designs, and software. Its undergraduate law school is one of the top three in the country, with an enrollment of over 3,000 students.

“This IP program allows our students to benefit from exploring an area of law that offers intellectual and creative opportunities with a curriculum and internship that is thoughtfully and professionally curated. In addition, the program will offer a smooth transition between undergraduate and post-graduate study here at UFRJ,” said Professor José Roberto Xavier, Coordinator of the Post Graduate Program at the UFRJ Law School.

Approximately 15 students will be enrolled in the program, which will include 60 hours of classes on patents, trademarks, copyright, as well as specialized English language courses. The program will conclude with a five day, 15-hour internship program with a local Brazilian law firm. Of the those enrolled, at least half will come from those benefiting from affirmative action at the university, including low-income, Black, indigenous, and disabled students. Course work for the inaugural term will begin on May 6, 2023.

“Everyone in IP benefits when our community is more diverse and inclusive, when we hear from a wide range of voices,” said INTA Foundation Board of Governors Member Joana Siqueira (Montaury Pimenta, Machado & Vieira de Melho Advogados, Brazil). “It is both a matter of pride and strategic mission that the INTA Foundation be at the forefront in fostering opportunities for our community to grow.”