Latin America

The European Union and Latin American countries have strong ties when it comes to agri-food products. The agricultural sector plays a strategic role in both regions, which demands adequate IP protection, especially regarding geographical indications (GIs).

With the support of the Federação das Indústrias do Estado de São Paulo (Brazil’s largest business association) and the Instituto Nacional de Propiedade Industrial (the national administrator of industrial property rights), IP Key LA organised a two-day webinar on the growing use of blockchain technologies and its advantages for IP enforcement.

The main topic of the event was the interrelation of blockchain technologies and intellectual property, particularly focusing on the potential to improve IP protection and enforcement.

Counterfeiting poses a serious threat to the economy of societies and the safety of their citizens, especially considering the ramifications of the burgeoning relationships between counterfeiters and criminal and/or terrorist networks.

In a workshop organised by IP Key LA, over 180 officials from all Latin America, including customs and law enforcement officers, gathered with European experts to exchange knowledge and discuss best practices in actions against counterfeiting, focussing specifically on small consignments and risk analysis.

IP Key LA is opening registration for a virtual seminar on 20 October focused on the fight against counterfeit medicines by means of IP enforcement.