Brazil’s INPI Restores ‘Charlie Brown Jr.’ Trademark to Peanuts Worldwide

Overview

• The INPI published a November 25 decision annulling registrations held by Chorão’s son and widow and restoring exclusivity for the mark to Peanuts Worldwide LLC.
• Officials cited Article 124, item XVII of Brazil’s Industrial Property Law, which bars registering titles or characters protected by copyright without the rights holder’s consent.
• Current INPI records list the ‘Charlie Brown’ formulations under Peanuts, and the measure was characterized by the agency as administrative rather than a final judicial ruling.
• Legal teams for Alexandre Abrão and Graziela Gonçalves say they are preparing challenges, including possible court action, arguing the brand’s cultural significance should be considered.
• A 2022 document claiming Peanuts’ consent was deemed fraudulent, with Alexandre’s defense acknowledging the false signature, as former members Marcão Britto and Thiago Castanho continue related litigation against him.