ASIPI 2019: A work in progress
South America has most of the ingredients needed for a strong, regional IP system, but for it to work properly, more needs to be done to combat infringers.
This is according to the president of ASIPI’s host committee Héctor Alvarez, who believes that while the region’s citizens are waking up to the importance of IP rights, there needs to be a greater emphasis on enforcement.
“The role of IP in the region has been growing at a fast rate during the past years,” he says, adding that this is largely a result of most countries in the region signing trade agreements that impose minimum standards regarding the protection of IP rights.
“However, this is not enough. Legislation alone cannot make the change,” Alvarez says.
He describes these agreements as the “first step” in order to adequately protect IP rights in the region against the “constant and current threats of counterfeiting, piracy, and hacking”.
“The second step in order to accomplish a real policy to protect IP rights is enforcement,” Alvarez adds.
But, proving the interrelated nature of these issues, he says, enforcement is not possible without public awareness about the importance of protecting and respecting IP rights.
Additionally, he highlights the importance of border enforcement measures, IP education of law enforcement officials and prosecutors and judges.
“Only with combined measures of legislation and enforcement will IP rights be truly protected,” he continues.
A full programme
As part of his role, Alvarez is involved in the organisation of ASIPI’s academic and social events. This included proposing topics of interest and social activities that showcase the entertainment and culinary experiences on offer in Lima.
“We have supported the executive committee in the organisation of an event—both academic and social—of the highest order,” Alvarez says.
“Only with combined measures of legislation and enforcement will IP rights be truly protected.” - Héctor Alvarez, president of ASIPI’s host committee
Academically, he says, the chosen focuses for panel sessions and workshops are very topical.
Panels will discuss: ‘Traditional Specialties Guaranteed’; ‘Artificial Intelligence and Its Impact on Intellectual Property’; ‘Nutrition, Health, Labeling and Trademarks: How to achieve a well-balanced education?’ and ‘Cannabis Legalization and Its Regulatory Framework’.
“Moderators, lecturers and panellists have been selected according to their professional and personal qualities,” Alvarez says.
He was also involved in organising the social events, which will showcase different aspects of the country’s culture.
“The opening will take place at the Great National Theater, opened few years ago, a world-class setting with all the technological advances,” he says.
Delegates will attend a cocktail party hosted by 25 IP firms at the Art Museum of Lima in a renaissance revival building downtown.
A Peruvian-themed night will be held at the site of the pyramid La Huaca Pucllana, which was built between 200 and 700 AD and is located in the District of Miraflores.
Delegates will also be offered a gastronomic tour of a wholesale market and have the opportunity to participate in a cooking class.
The closing ceremony will take place at the Osma Museum in the bohemian district of Barranco.
