Paving the Way for Innovation: INTA’s High-Level Talks in Argentina and Uruguay

In August, INTA CEO Etienne Sanz de Acedo led a delegation to Buenos Aires, Argentina, marking a significant visit characterized by 12 high-level meetings. The visit came at a critical juncture, as Argentina’s new administration seeks to reshape the nation’s economic trajectory. The delegation’s mission was clear: to underscore the crucial role of intellectual property (IP) in fostering entrepreneurship, innovation, and creativity, and in supporting micro, small, and medium-sized enterprises (MSMEs).

One of the key takeaways from these discussions is the new administration’s recognition of the private sector’s potential contributions to social and economic development. There is a clear openness to engage and listen to insights and recommendations from industry leaders.

A pivotal moment of the visit occurred during a meeting with President Milei’s Chief of Staff, Guillermo Francos, when the delegation proposed the establishment of a national IP strategy aimed at promoting and nurturing innovation. The discussion also highlighted the importance of enhanced coordination among the various agencies responsible for IP protection and enforcement. The urgency of allocating greater resources to the Argentinian IP Office was emphasized, especially given that 90 percent of businesses in the country are MSMEs.

Through meetings with key officials, including the Minister of Justice, the Chief Judge of the Criminal Appellate Court, and the Chief of National Customs, the delegation also addressed the pervasive issue of illegal trade. Counterfeiting and piracy, which threaten the labor market, stifle creativity and impede the state’s ability to implement social programs, were discussed as critical challenges that demand the government’s priority attention. Agreements were made to provide training for enforcement officials and to grant rights holders access to data on seizures, enabling more informed decision-making and resource allocation.

The delegation’s engagement with the Minister of Public Health yielded commitments to reassess past decisions that imposed brand restrictions, with deregulation being explored to stimulate investment and facilitate drug imports into the country.

INTA also committed to contributing to the development of a robust national IP strategy and proposed targeted amendments to laws punishing trademark counterfeiting. These changes aim to enhance the legal framework’s deterrence capabilities by equipping judges and prosecutors with effective tools to combat IP-related crimes.

Following the successful meetings in Argentina, the delegation crossed the Río de la Plata to Montevideo, Uruguay, where Mr. Sanz de Acedo and INTA Board members met with the Ministers of Industry and Energy, the Undersecretary for Economic International Relations at the Foreign Affairs Ministry, and the Deputy Director of the Uruguayan IP Office, among others. With presidential elections looming, the delegation also held discussions with Álvaro Delgado, one of the leading presidential candidates.

During the visit, the Uruguayan government announced that they plan to join the Patent Cooperation Treaty (PCT) and the Budapest Treaty by October 2024. INTA acknowledged the significant progress Uruguay has made in the IP domain, as evidenced by the expedited processing times for trademark and patent applications—four months and three years, respectively. Much like in Argentina, INTA advocated for the creation of a national IP strategy that builds on the current administration’s achievements and provides a roadmap for future governments.

While speaking with Mr. Delgado, INTA emphasized the importance of establishing a national IP strategy that transcends political affiliations, ensuring continuity and stability in IP policy.

Later this month, INTA’s Board of Directors will convene in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, for its first Board meeting in South America and in Brazil, the region’s largest economy. The Association will use the occasion to meet with high-level officials from the government’s three branches. Brazil is one of the few economies in the region that has a national IP strategy. It was launched in 2021, and its implementation will be a key topic of discussion, along with how international associations can actively collaborate to help Brazil achieve its goal of integration within the global IP system.

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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