Newsletter - Latin America IP SME Helpdesk

Latin America IP SME Helpdesk joined forces with the European IP Helpdesk and the European Network of Research and Innovation Centers and Hubs in Latin America and the Caribbean (ENRICH in LAC) for a special content on the Intellectual Property (IP) landscape in Europe. This content summarizes what the current situation with IP protection in the European Union (EU) is, and what is yet to come in the EU Landscape for European small and medium enterprises (SMEs). It is indeed a crucial step to protect your ideas in the EU before embarking on your business journey in Latin America or any other region.

World Intellectual Property Organisation (WIPO) has published a groundbreaking survey that explores awareness and attitudes towards intellectual property (IP) rights. It stands out as the most comprehensive survey of its kind, drawing insights from 25,000 interviews conducted across 50 countries. According to the survey results, IP awareness and perception vary by IP subject matter and also across and within regions. Consumers from Latin American and Caribbean have relatively higher awareness index scores and perception of IP regarding trademarks, designs and geographical indications (GI).

The President of the European Patent Office (EPO), António Campinos and the Director General of the Mexican Institute of Industrial Property (IMPI), José Sánchez Pérez met in Mexico to review the activities conducted under the strategic partnership agreement. The main focus of the collaboration is to improve the accessibility of the global patent system and provide support to innovators in both Europe and Mexico. During the meeting a new biennial work plan has been signed. This plan is designed to build upon the successful implementation of their previous cooperation efforts and enable the continuation of joint activities.

The Global Innovation Index (GII) is an annual assessment that evaluates and ranks the innovation capacities of countries and economies across the globe. Its primary goal is to pinpoint specific regions characterized by a significant concentration of top-tier scientific and technological advancements. The Index states that science and technology (S&T) clusters in certain emerging economies grew at a particularly fast pace. According to the findings, Brazil with São Paulo, is the sole top 100 (S&T) cluster in Latin America.

The Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) is an international treaty that facilitates the filing and protection of patents on a global scale. It simplifies the process for inventors and companies seeking patent protection in multiple countries. Uruguay's accession to the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) has been approved, and it is expected that Uruguay will officially become a contracting state of the PCT by the end of 2023.

Jointly organized by Arhipelago, Eurochambres and the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk, this training will provide an insight into the most relevant aspects to bear in mind from an intellectual property (IP) perspective when doing business in Argentina. It will also highlight the services provided by the EU initiatives that support small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in the region

The 30th edition of Pollutec, the leading environmental and waste management trade show, brings in over 46 000 professionals for four days of networking and B2B meetings. It has dedicated a special permanent area to display, demonstrate and discuss Sea and Coastline products and solutions which will focus on the maritime health and solutions to halt the rapidly degrading coastline. The representatives of the Latin America IP SME Helpdesk will participate the event to provide jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues to the small and medium enterprises (SMEs).

"Chem-Match: Corporates meet Startups" brings impetus to the chemical open innovation. Like in the successful last 4 editions, the event matches corporates with startups from the fields of chemistry, biotechnology, bioelectronics, environmental technologies and sustainability, digital process management and digital innovation. Our team members will attend the event virtually to meet European small and medium enterprises and startups to present our free of charge first line intellectual property (IP) support services.