Innovation is essential for economic development in Latin America, and APEC (Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation) is helping to drive this process through various initiatives in the field of intellectual property (IP). In this article, we will explore three initiatives that highlight APEC’s commitment and its impact on the region, particularly in Peru.
Anti-Counterfeiting Initiatives: Collaboration Between Countries
Chile and Hong Kong presented initiatives to combat counterfeiting. This event allowed countries to share experiences and effective strategies to tackle this growing issue that affects emerging economies. The collaboration between Chile and Hong Kong demonstrates the importance of working together to address common challenges, especially at a time when e-commerce is facilitating the sale of counterfeit products.
Support for Women Inventors through Indecopi (Peru)
Another significant initiative was APEC’s approval of a project by Indecopi (National Institute for the Defense of Competition and Protection of Intellectual Property) to promote the use of the patent system among women inventors. This project includes the development of studies on patent applications made by women and the analysis of successful cases in various APEC countries. Encouraging female participation in innovation not only helps to close gender gaps but also strengthens the innovation ecosystem by leveraging diverse talent available in the region.
Dialogue to Combat Online Counterfeiting
Indecopi has also led dialogues within APEC to enhance strategies against trademark counterfeiting, particularly in the digital environment. In August 2024, a workshop was held that brought together authorities and experts from several countries to discuss the necessary policies to address this challenge. The growing digitalization has increased the supply of counterfeit products, requiring a coordinated response between the public and private sectors. During this workshop, best practices were shared, and a project was presented to create a guide on public policies related to digital protection, which is expected to be ready by May 2025.
APEC’s initiatives in relation to intellectual property are having a positive impact. By addressing issues such as counterfeiting and encouraging female participation in the patent field, these actions not only strengthen intellectual property rights but also create a more favorable environment for innovation. With APEC’s continued support, Latin America has a unique opportunity to move toward a more innovative and competitive future on the global stage.