INTA Participates in Public Hearing for Chile’s New Constitution

Carolina Belmar, INTA’s Chief Representative Officer for Latin America and the Caribbean, presented on behalf of INTA at the public hearings for the drafting of the new Magna Carta of Chile at the Universidad del Desarrollo on June 30.

Ms. Belmar expressed appreciation that the draft of the new Constitution, prepared by a group of experts, included both copyright and industrial property rights (Art. 16, Nos. 35 and 36 of the draft), arguing that “trademarks protect the consumer and sanction unfair practices.”

“Trademarks contribute to development and social welfare. That is why INTA considers that the new Constitution must maintain and protect both industrial property and copyright,” said Ms. Belmar.

In her presentation, Ms. Belmar also encouraged Chile to incorporate and protect the right of citizens to freely take part in cultural life, to enjoy the arts, and to take part in scientific progress (Art. 16, No. 24 of the draft). This presentation was based on a document prepared by INTA’s Legislation and Regulation Committee, and which was sent to the President of the Constitutional Council on July 3, 2023.

The public hearings were held simultaneously in 40 universities around the country, with presentations from both citizens and civil organizations. The Secretariat of Participation delivered a Report with the systematization of the results to the Council on July 3, 2023.

“We are proud that INTA was able to take part in this democratic process, where we had the opportunity to highlight the value of intellectual property rights as essential pillars for innovation and the stimulus for the preservation and dissemination of knowledge, which not only allows authors and creators to be rewarded, but also encourages investment in the new frontiers of science,” said Ms. Belmar.

INTA’s Latin America and the Caribbean Representative Office, based in Santiago, Chile, represents the Association’s members across the region. Working in collaboration with staff at INTA’s headquarters in New York City, the Latin America and the Caribbean Representative Office leads the Association’s policy, membership, marketing, and communications initiatives throughout this region. To learn more about INTA’s activities in Latin America and the Caribbean, please contact INTA Chief Representative Officer of the Latin America and the Caribbean, Carolina Belmar.

Although every effort has been made to verify the accuracy of this article, readers are urged to check independently on matters of specific concern or interest.

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