The Regional Dialogue on Intellectual Property (IP) and Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) was held in Bogotá, Colombia, on November 5 and 6, 2024. The event was organized by the IP for Business Division (IPBD), IP and Innovation Ecosystems Sector (IIES) of the World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO), in collaboration with the Superintendency of Industry and Commerce (SIC), the National Directorate of Copyright (DNDA), and the Bogotá Chamber of Commerce (BCC), with support from Funds-In-Trust Japan Industrial Property Global.
The purpose of this regional event was to bring together IP authorities, business support institutions, SMEs, and other stake holders particularly from business community to focus on the importance of IP for SMEs. The event also aimed to share experiences, discuss best practices and identify challenges and opportunities for making IP more accessible to SMEs.
1. IP as a Key Business Enabler Public conference, November 5, 2024
The conference focused on the role of IP in driving business success. Key topics included effective IP management strategies, risk management, and available IP support programs for SMEs.
The event was inaugurated by distinguished speakers, including Mr. Marco M. Alemán, Assistant Director General (ADG), IIES, WIPO, Ms. Kandya Obezo Casseres, Vice Minister of Multilateral Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Colombia, Ms. Pilar Goyeneche, Deputy Superintendent for Industrial Property, SIC, Mr. Hermán de Jesús Gutiérrez, General Director, DNDA, and Ms. Mónica Conde, Vice President of International Relations and Cooperation, BBC. They underscored the critical role of IP in fostering a competitive and innovation-driven economy.
A video presentation from the Department of Economics and Data Analytics showcased regional innovation trends and key economic data.
The keynote address by Mr. Nicolo Gligo, Economic Affairs Officer, Production, Productivity and Management Division at the Economic Commission for Latin America and the Caribbean (ECLAC), emphasized the importance of comprehensive public policies and efficient IP utilization to support SME economic growth in Latin America and the Caribbean.
The conference panels covered key topics such as:
- IP as a catalyst for SME economic performance
- Brand management and trademark commercialization
- IP’s role in startups, including access to finance and risk management
- IP strategies for creative industries adapting to new technologies like AI and data
Experts shared insights on leveraging IP for commercialization, competitiveness, and an integrated strategy for business success. Mr. Guy Pessach, Director, IPBD, IIES, concluded the event by stressing that IP helps SMEs grow revenue, manage risks, and seize opportunities. He also highlighted the importance of bridging the information gap to better support SMEs in utilizing IP effectively.
2. WIPO Regional Meeting of Industrial Property and Copyright Offices of Latin America and the Caribbean Region, NGOs, SME Support Institutions and WIPO, November 6, 2024
Building on the outcomes of the conference, the second day provided a platform to discuss solutions to bring IP closer to SMEs and promote a more innovation-driven economy in the region. Heads of IPOs, and other IP authorities shared their initiatives and challenges in SME support, while NGOs and IP institutions highlighted initiatives aimed at increasing SME engagement with IP.
ADG Alemán opened the session, encouraging participants to explore new collaboration opportunities with WIPO.
The main points raised during the discussion included the services provided by participating IP offices, past and current activities jointly implemented with WIPO and other IP offices in the region, as well as general insights about the challenges and opportunities of working with SMEs. The consultations meeting provided a platform for the IP offices to learn more about the offerings of WIPO to support SMEs in their use of the IP system and an opportunity to request for additional support.
Participating NGOs and IP support institutions highlighted the importance of public-private collaboration and the need for a comprehensive vision that involves various actors in the ecosystem to achieve greater use of IP by SMEs.
Closing the meeting, Mr. Guy Pessach, Director, IPBD, IIES, WIPO reflected on the key takeaways, outlining a roadmap to further strengthen collaboration between WIPO and Member States (MSs) with the goal of providing effective, sustainable, and scalable IP support to SMEs.