Catia Gentil is a Partner at Licks Attorneys at our Rio de Janeiro Office. With a background in Metallurgical Engineering, she is an Attorney at Law specializing in patent law, bringing 40 years of experience to her practice. Catia started her career as a patent examiner at the BRPTO. Prior to joining the firm, she served as a senior patent examiner, head of art group, General Coordinator of the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) from 2010 to 2020, overseeing its implementation and operations, as well as the head of the board of administrative appeals and nullity proceedings at the BRPTO. Catia was also a member of the BRPTO group responsible formulating regulations related to the Brazilian Patent Statute (Law #9,279 of 1996). During her extensive experience, Catia represented Brazil in various delegations before the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) from 2007 to 2019. She also served as the Technical Patent Coordinator at the BRPTO from 2006 to 2010. Prior to that, Catia held the position of Substitute Head of the Patent Division of Mechanical Engineering from 1995 to 2005. As a Patent Board Advisor from 1991 to 1994, she provided valuable insights and guidance. Catia was also a member of the group responsible for formulating the regulations of the current Brazilian Patent Statute from 1990 to 1991. Catia frequently delivers lectures on topics pertaining to PCT and actively participates in the Meeting of International Authorities under the PCT (PCT/MIA), held in several Contracting States, as well as the PCT Working Group (PCT/WG) at the WIPO as a BRPTO delegate. Catia is highly regarded an expert in PCT matters, patent acquisition, and invalidity proceedings.