Newsletter - Latin America IP SME Helpdesk

Latin America IP SME Helpdesk team just published a brand-new factograph that provides insightful information about the specifics of intellectual property (IP) in Brazil. This document encompasses key IP characteristics as well as recent developments in the field of IP.

A new country factsheet has been released, covering all the intellectual property (IP) related issues that small and medium enterprises (SMEs) should be aware of before doing business in Panama. This comprehensive document addresses four main topics: IP rights in Panama for SMEs, the basics of IP rights, IP enforcement in Panama, using customs to block counterfeits.

Take a look at our new Guatemala IP Country factsheet, which is a detailed document encompassing all the intellectual property (IP) related issues you need to consider before engaging in business activities in this country. This factsheet offers comprehensive information on a variety of IP matters.

Non-traditional trademarks go beyond the traditional understanding of trademarks, which typically consist of words, logos, or symbols. These non-traditional trademarks are distinctive signs that can be registered to protect a brand or product in unique ways. In Latin America, these trademarks are not uniformly protected and European small and medium enterprises need to be aware of the different legal requirements and challenges for registering them in the region before entering those markets.

Under the agreement, the Bloc's member states (Argentina, Brazil, Uruguay, Paraguay) undertake to mutually respect the geographical indications (GI) of each country contained in a resolution approved by the Common Market Group (GMC), the main executive body of Mercosur. The National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI) Brazil considers that the ratification of the agreement will contribute to the strengthening of Mercosur GIs.

Spotify, a major player in the music streaming industry, has issued a strong warning to Uruguayan authorities. The Swedish company, known for its audio streaming and media services, has threatened to exit the Uruguayan market if the proposed copyright law reforms are approved.

From November 4th to 6th, Latin America IP SME Helpdesk team participated the EU Industry Days 2023 event that brought together in Málaga the leaders of the European industry to unlock the full potential of the Single Market, contribute to European Union (EU) industrial policy, and foster innovation for a truly green, digital, and resilient EU industry. During the event, Igor Kalinic, Head of Sector Competitiveness and Internationalisation at EISMEA, COSME Unit, explained the three types of services (IP experts, training, and materials) provided in five areas: China, India, Africa, Latin America, and South-East Asia.

In the context of Latin America, the protection of Artificial Intelligence (AI) is an issue that involves both international agreements and national intellectual property regulations. To safeguard AI creations in this region, it is essential to consider three main approaches: the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT), the Madrid System for the International Registration of Marks and the Hague Agreement on the International Registration of Industrial Designs, as well as copyright protection at the national level.

A new disrupting technology might lead to significant legal challenges, and we are currently experiencing one such period. There are several legal implications that this new technology is generating (i.e. bias and ethical concerns, privacy matters, and gender inequality, among many others). This blog post focuses on the tensions that arise with pre-existing right holders of intellectual property assets, specifically with works that are protected by copyright according to the current legislations and the International Treaties.

Smart City Expo World Congress is the world’s biggest and most influential event on urban innovation. The event connects leaders from the most innovative companies, governments and organizations to move cities towards a better future. The Latin America IP SME Helpdesk will be there to provide jargon-free, first-line, confidential advice on intellectual property and related issues to small and medium enterprises and startups from European and Single Market Program associated countries.

Ecomondo, the ecological transition ecosystem, is the place for industry, stakeholders, policy makers, opinion leaders and local authorities to meet and talk. It brings together and systemises the key elements that define the development strategies of the European Union's environmental policy. Latin America IP SME Helpdesk will attend the event to raise awareness and disseminate the EU-funded services on intellectual property protection and management among small and medium enterprises that are interested in doing business in Latin American countries.

Web Summit, organised by a Dublin-based company, is a globally renowned tech conference series that spans several international locations. The event brings together an impressive gathering of policymakers, heads of state, as well as founders and CEOs from both established technology companies and burgeoning startups. The representatives of Latin America IP SME Helpdesk will be present at the event introduce our free of charge intellectual property (IP) support services to European small and medium enterprises that would like to protect and enforce their IP rights in Latin America.