Participation of the EU as a Guest of Honor in the Guadalajara International Book Fair

This activity stemmed from the participation of the European Union as the Guest of Honour at the 37th edition of the Guadalajara International Book Fair (FIL) in Guadalajara, Mexico, held from 25th November to 3rd December 2023.

The overall objective of the activity was to facilitate the exchange of knowledge on recent events in the EU and Latin America regarding the protection of copyright (authors and their licensees, i.e., publishers), and its impact on content management, artificial intelligence (AI), initiatives for the blind or visually impaired, and copyright infringement.

Three events were held during the activity. At the International Forum for Publishers and Book Professionals, three panels were presented: Copyright and current challenges for EU and Latin American publishers, Seminar on Copyright as a promoter of literary works, and Mechanisms and good practices for inclusive intellectual property. The latter focused on highlighting the positive aspects of the Marrakesh Treaty and sharing the EU's experience through the Spanish National Organization for the Blind (ONCE).

These events actively involved authors, translators, illustrators, publishers, and blind or visually impaired individuals, placing them at the heart of discussions.

The Guadalajara International Book Fair is one of the most important cultural events in the Spanish-speaking world. It takes place annually in Guadalajara, Mexico. The fair's significance lies in its impact on the publishing industry and cultural exchange. It provides a unique opportunity for authors to connect with publishers, agents, and readers, facilitating the dissemination of their work on an international scale. Likewise, it allows publishers to showcase their latest releases, establish business connections, and negotiate rights agreements.