The EUIPO and its impact in Latin America: A legacy of cooperation with the project IP Key LA
With the closing of Phase II of the IP Key Latin America project, we celebrate an unprecedented period of collaboration between the European Union and Latin America in the field of intellectual property (IP). Through the leadership of the European Union Intellectual Property Office (EUIPO), the project has driven the harmonisation, institutional strengthening and modernisation of IP systems in the region, promoting innovation and sustainable economic growth.
Since its inception, IP Key LA has been a bridge for dialogue and cooperation between IP offices, productive sectors and international organisations. In this second phase, the project has consolidated key initiatives aligned with EUIPO's Strategic Plan 2030, which aims to strengthen IP protection globally, adapting to technological challenges and fostering a stronger and more accessible IP ecosystem.
Since 2022, IP Key LA has developed more than 90 strategic activities, including seminars, workshops and trainings for more than 12,000 participants from IP offices, businesses, universities and public institutions. In addition, it organised more than 45 high-level meetings between EUIPO and Latin American offices, facilitating the exchange of best practices and strengthening international cooperation in the fight against counterfeiting and piracy. Also, through 7 case studies, the project also provided key information to improve IP protection and enforcement in the region.
One of the success stories during Phase II was the influencer´s campaign implemented in Brazil. Together with the Brazilian National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI Brazil) and the Portuguese National Institute of Industrial Property (INPI Portugal), this campaign raised awareness of the dangers of counterfeit cosmetics reaching a total of 272,619 views and impressions (206,305 people in total in both countries) and highlighting the importance of avoiding fraudulent beauty products. This is the first EUIPO campaign where two influencers from different countries joined forces in a groundbreaking campaign, which bridged accross Latin America and Europe.
The Operation Creta II, where EUIPO partnered with INTERPOL to support a large-scale international operation aimed at combating intellectual and industrial property infringements, pharmacological crimes, and digital piracy in South America is another evidence of achievements within the project. As the host of the European Observatory on Infringements of Intellectual Property Rights, a network of experts and specialized stakeholders that support operations against intellectual property crimes, the EUIPO is well-positioned to provide expertise and support to international operations. The operation resulted in significant successes, including: 104 arrests, including 35 for product smuggling, 47 for intellectual and industrial property infringements, 15 for illegal commercialization of medical supplies and products, and 1 for illegal distribution of digital receivers.
The organisation of the IP Key LA Panels at the Guadalajara International Book Fair, in Mexico, was another resounding success. In conjunction with the Delegation of the European Union in Mexico, three panels were presented with over 400 attendees. The first panel, titled "Copyright and Current Challenges for Publishers in the European Union and Latin America," addressed the challenges posed by new technologies for authors, translators, illustrators, editors, and other industry professionals. "The Copyright as a Promoter of Literary Work" was the second panel of the day, successfully emphasising the significance of copyright in the publishing industry. The third and final panel, "Mechanisms and Best Practices for Inclusive Intellectual Property," was presented within the European Union pavilion.
Finally, the IP Key LA Summit 2025 which marked the final event of the IP Key LA project, summarised and reflected on years of international cooperation between the EU and Latin American countries. The event, which took place in Rio de Janeiro, aimed to strengthen cooperation between the two regions and recognised the collaboration of Latin American IP offices and other relevant stakeholders involved in the project, including INTERPOL, the European Commission, the Brazilian Micro and Small Business Support Service (SEBRAE), the Brazilian Intellectual Property Association (ABPI) and the Inter-American Association of Intellectual Property (ASIPI). The Summit also included two parallel events aimed at small and medium-sized enterprises (Promotion of the IP System for SMEs) and women and youth (Inclusivity in IP with Designers, Young Innovators and Women). These events were held at the INPI and at the Federal University of Rio de Janeiro, in collaboration with them and in partnership with SEBRAE and the Brazilian Association of Intellectual Property (ABPI).
The closure of this phase marks a milestone, but not the end of the road. Cooperation between the EU and Latin America on IP will continue through new programmes such as AL Invest Next, ensuring the continuity of efforts to strengthen innovation and competitiveness in the region. EUIPO reaffirms its commitment to the development of IP policies that boost trade, creativity and shared prosperity.
We thank all the institutions, experts and partners that have made this breakthrough in IP protection possible. We remain committed to building a future where intellectual property is an engine of development and innovation for all.
¡Hasta pronto amigos!